This bill aims to revise child abuse and neglect laws by updating the definition of "reasonable efforts" and introducing a new term, "fictive kin," which refers to individuals who have a significant emotional connection to a child but are not related by blood or marriage. Additionally, the bill establishes placement preferences for children in cases of abuse or neglect, ensuring that their best interests are prioritized in the decision-making process.

The legislation amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, and 41-3-445, while also repealing section 41-3-439. These changes are intended to enhance the legal framework surrounding child welfare and improve the overall response to child abuse and neglect cases.

Statutes affected:
SB0328_1.pdf: 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, 41-3-445
SB0328_2.pdf: 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, 41-3-445
SB0328_3.pdf: 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, 41-3-445
SB0328_4.pdf: 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, 41-3-445
Amended: 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, 41-3-445
Introduced: 41-3-101, 41-3-423, 41-3-438, 41-3-440, 41-3-444, 41-3-445