Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to enhance the oversight and accountability of child welfare cases 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, ensuring they meet quarterly and are composed of members from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for the disclosure of records to these boards, thereby strengthening their role in the child welfare system.

The bill further amends procedures for handling abuse and neglect petitions, including the requirement for a show cause hearing within 20 days of filing and the appointment of an attorney for unavailable parents or guardians. It clarifies the burden of proof for relief requests and emphasizes the importance of notifying foster and preadoptive parents of their rights. The bill also consolidates responsibilities under the citizen review boards, repealing the previous foster care review committee section, and enhances the district court's role in reviewing board recommendations. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline processes, prioritize children's best interests, and ensure the rights of all parties involved in child welfare cases are protected.

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