A Perspective on Drugs: The Impact of Psychotropics and Street Drugs on Our At-Risk Youth

Attendees will improve their understanding of:
- A strength-based model, The Circle of Courage.
- Trauma, its impact, and how it can lead to the use of psychiatric medications – or street drugs.
- The benefits and drawbacks of common psychotropic medications.
- How street drugs "work" and why at-risk youth are vulnerable to using them.

Biography:
Robert Foltz is an associate professor at The Chicago School, in the Department of Clinical Psychology, with expertise in psychological disorders in youth, pediatric psychopharmacology, and trauma-informed care. He has maintained a private practice in the Chicago area for over 20 years, consulting and working primarily with youth suffering from emotional and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Foltz is a licensed clinical psychologist and has over 35 years of experience working with severely troubled youth. His professional experiences include both administrative and clinical responsibilities in the delivery of care to troubled youth. For many years, Dr. Foltz has studied the benefits and drawbacks of psychotropic medication with children and adolescents and how these treatments integrate with psychosocial approaches. He also served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Association of Children's Residential and Community services (ACRC) for over a decade. In addition, he has served as an advisor for state child welfare agencies as well as consulting with residential treatment centers.