Bill > LC0052

This bill revises Montana's child abuse and neglect definitions and legal procedures, making several key changes to protect children and clarify legal processes. The bill extends the timeframe for considering a parent "abandoned" a child from 6 to 8 months and from 90 to 180 days of being unknown, and requires all attempts to contact a parent be made before concluding abandonment. It modifies definitions of adequate health care, child abuse, and physical neglect, emphasizing actual physical or psychological harm and allowing parents to obtain second medical opinions. The bill also introduces new provisions for treatment plans, including a mechanism for parents to petition for nullification of a plan if they can prove their innocence. Additionally, the bill clarifies reasonable efforts requirements for child protective services, focusing on keeping families together while prioritizing child safety, and establishes stricter guidelines for continuing court hearings in child welfare cases. These changes aim to provide more flexibility, clarity, and protections for both children and parents in child welfare proceedings, while maintaining a focus on the best interests of the child.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0052