Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Emrich and T. Manzella establishes new rules of conduct for child protection specialists in Montana. The bill prohibits child protection specialists or applicants for certification from threatening individuals with criminal charges to deter them from contesting matters in child abuse and neglect proceedings. It also prevents them from denying a person the opportunity to become a foster placement or guardian solely based on that person's actions, such as offering advice against the department or recommending legal counsel. Additionally, the bill mandates that when coordinating services or evaluations for a parent or child, specialists must utilize unbiased professionals relevant to the needs of those involved.

The bill further stipulates that any violation of these rules is considered a breach of public duty, allowing parents, guardians, or custodians to file complaints with the Child and Family Ombudsman. Notably, the bill removes previous provisions related to filing complaints with the Commissioner of Political Practices and the associated investigative powers, indicating a shift in the oversight mechanism for addressing grievances against child protection specialists. The new rules aim to enhance accountability and ensure fair treatment in child protection proceedings.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-2-136, 41-3-205
SB0272_1(1): 2-2-136, 41-3-205
SB0272_1(2): 2-2-136, 41-3-205
SB0272_1(3): 2-2-136, 41-3-205
SB0272_1(4): 2-2-136, 41-3-205
SB0272_1(5): 2-2-136, 41-3-205
SB0272_1: 2-2-136, 41-3-205