Parents taking Child's Medication

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Hi all,

I'm new to Allnurses, I've been on before to read conversations but officially joined today. I'm a school nurse at an elementary school and have has several questions but this one actually spurred me to join. So this morning I when I came into the office there was a message on my phone from the aunt of a student who stated that her sister (student's mother) was taking her child's ADHD medication. She proceeded to inform me that all of her sister's children have an ADHD diagnosis and that she uses their prescriptions recreationally for herself.

So, this could be a family feud between sisters...or not. I have notified my supervisor and am waiting to hear back before I proceed but I'm wondering if anyone has ever dealt with something like this and what they did. My next thought is going to the school counselor with this information but I also wonder if I have a duty to report this to someone, police, etc.

Thoughts?...

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

If it were me, i'd report this to my supervisor (principal) as well as guidance. If the decision to make a call to CPS is made, which is a reasonable decision if this info has any merit, be sure that you do not make the call alone - have the person advising you to report this present. This may just be a family fued, but unfortunately, this type of thing happens all the time and usually has a basis in truth that a pernet is taking and/or selling their kid's meds.

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Specializes in kids.

What Flare said and remember this, your/our role is to report....and let the proper authorities work out the details.

If the med is prescribed for the child and they are not getting it------>medical neglect.

If they are not getting the prescribed med and it impacts their education------->educational neglect.

If they are misusing their childs prescribed controlled substance------>legal issues for them.

If using the drugs recreationally------>child neglect.

And for sure, do it with someone else!

Good Luck!

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Thank you both so much. I informed my supervisor and principal of the situation and I also did a head-to-toe assessment of the student and asked him a few questions about the medication. It was pretty obvious the student was not on the medication and stated not taking it since last summer. When I spoke with his teacher she informed me that he is a good student and very smart but can be goofy in class which she feels he will workout as the school year progresses. So that is where I left it. I guess we'll see what happens.

Thanks again for your advice!

Lillian

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