Matter of Lyle A.
The case concerns Lyle A., a 4½-year-old child in foster care, who was prescribed Depakote Sprinkles for behavioral issues. The Monroe County Department of Human Services (Department) obtained consent from his mother through a caseworker, not the prescribing physician, and failed to respond adequately to her attempts to withdraw consent. The Family Court, Monroe County, ruled that the Department's procedures for obtaining parental consent for psychotropic medication and handling withdrawal of consent were legally insufficient, violating the child's and parent's due process and liberty rights. The court emphasized that informed consent requires direct physician consultation and that parents maintain the right to make medication decisions for children in foster care. The decision mandates the Department to reform its procedures for medication administration and consent.