Bill > SB272

This bill establishes a set of rules of conduct for child protection specialists and applicants for certification in Montana. The bill prohibits child protection specialists from threatening people with criminal charges to deter them from contesting child abuse and neglect proceedings, and from preventing potential foster placements or guardians solely because they have offered advice to parents, recommended legal counsel, or provided testimony to public bodies. The bill further requires child protection specialists to use unbiased professionals with relevant qualifications when coordinating services or evaluations for parents or children. Any violation of these rules is considered a breach of public duty, and parents, guardians, or those with physical or legal custody of a child can file a complaint with the Child and Family Ombudsman if they believe a specialist has violated these guidelines. The new rules are intended to be integrated into existing child protection laws, specifically within Title 41, Chapter 3, Part 1 of Montana's legal code, with the goal of ensuring fair and ethical treatment of families in child protection proceedings.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0055