Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to enhance the oversight and accountability of child welfare proceedings in Montana by revising existing laws related to citizen review boards. The bill mandates that individuals involved in child welfare cases be informed of their right to a review by a citizen review board if a child is not returned home after a show cause hearing. It also requires the Office of the Court Administrator to establish a minimum number of citizen review boards, appoint members, and ensure these boards meet at least quarterly. Additionally, if the Department of Public Health and Human Services does not implement the board's recommendations, a hearing will be required. The bill repeals Section 41-3-115, which previously governed certain aspects of foster care review committees, and amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to improve transparency and effectiveness in the child welfare system.

The bill further establishes procedures for handling abuse and neglect petitions, including the requirement for a show cause hearing to be conducted within 20 days of filing a petition. It emphasizes the importance of notifying parents, guardians, and foster caregivers of their rights to participate in hearings and proceedings. The bill introduces provisions for alternative dispute resolution and clarifies the court's responsibilities in making written findings regarding the child's best interests. It also outlines the operational guidelines for citizen review boards, including the need for members to have relevant knowledge of child welfare and to represent diverse backgrounds. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the oversight process and improve outcomes for children in the foster care system in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-205, 41-3-422, 41-3-432, 41-3-445, 41-3-1003, 41-3-1004, 41-3-1005, 41-3-1008, 41-3-1010, 41-3-1011, 41-3-1013, 52-2-304
SB0367_1(1): 41-3-205, 41-3-422, 41-3-432, 41-3-445, 41-3-1003, 41-3-1004, 41-3-1005, 41-3-1008, 41-3-1010, 41-3-1011, 41-3-1013, 52-2-304
SB0367_1(2): 41-3-205, 41-3-422, 41-3-432, 41-3-445, 41-3-1003, 41-3-1004, 41-3-1005, 41-3-1008, 41-3-1010, 41-3-1011, 41-3-1013, 52-2-304
SB0367_1(3): 41-3-205, 41-3-422, 41-3-432, 41-3-445, 41-3-1003, 41-3-1004, 41-3-1005, 41-3-1008, 41-3-1010, 41-3-1011, 41-3-1013, 52-2-304
SB0367_1(4): 41-3-205, 41-3-422, 41-3-432, 41-3-445, 41-3-1003, 41-3-1004, 41-3-1005, 41-3-1008, 41-3-1010, 41-3-1011, 41-3-1013, 52-2-304
SB0367_1: 41-3-205, 41-3-422, 41-3-432, 41-3-445, 41-3-1003, 41-3-1004, 41-3-1005, 41-3-1008, 41-3-1010, 41-3-1011, 41-3-1013, 52-2-304