Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise Montana's laws concerning child abuse and neglect proceedings by introducing two new roles: Child Protection Investigator and Child Reunification Specialist. The Child Protection Investigator is tasked with investigating allegations of abuse or neglect and has the authority to remove a child from their home if necessary. In contrast, the Child Reunification Specialist is responsible for coordinating services to reunite children with their families post-removal. The bill stipulates that these roles must be held by different individuals in a case, unless there are insufficient employees to meet the department's needs. Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to update definitions and clarify responsibilities, including the redefinition of "child protection specialist" to "child protection investigator."

The bill also emphasizes the importance of child protection and reunification efforts, enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of child welfare services. It includes provisions for certification of child protection investigators and reunification specialists, requiring training in ethics and evidence-based practices. The bill mandates that individuals reporting suspected abuse or neglect include these new specialists, while also ensuring confidentiality in the reporting process. Furthermore, it outlines the rights of parents and guardians during investigations, including the right to receive copies of affidavits and contest allegations. The bill aims to improve the transparency of the investigation process and safeguard the rights of families, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(1): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(2): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(3): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(4): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(5): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(6): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1(7): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_1: 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(1): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(10): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(11): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(12): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(13): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(2): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(3): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(4): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(5): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(6): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(7): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(8): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2(9): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_2: 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(1): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(2): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(3): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(4): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(5): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(6): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(7): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(8): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X(9): 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445
SB0206_X: 41-3-102, 41-3-108, 41-3-127, 41-3-128, 41-3-129, 41-3-130, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-216, 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-427, 41-3-445