Bill > SB206

This bill clarifies and establishes distinct roles for child protection investigators and child reunification specialists within the child welfare system. Specifically, the bill defines a child protection investigator as responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect prior to a child's removal, with authorities including conducting initial investigations, removing children when necessary, participating in pre-hearing conferences, and testifying at various hearings. A child reunification specialist, by contrast, is responsible for coordinating reunification services after a child has been removed, with duties including participating in hearings, engaging in efforts to reunify families, determining appropriate child placements, and documenting treatment plan progress. The bill mandates that these roles cannot be performed by the same person in a single case, except when an office lacks sufficient employees. Additionally, the legislation updates certification requirements for these positions, including mandatory training in ethics, statutory frameworks, trauma research, family preservation practices, and evidence-based interventions. The bill also makes numerous technical amendments to existing child welfare statutes to reflect these new role definitions and requirements, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0476