Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Lenz seeks to enhance the rights of individuals involved in child welfare cases by revising existing laws related to citizen review boards. The bill mandates that individuals 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 requires the Office of the Court Administrator to establish a minimum number of citizen review boards, appoint members, and ensures these boards meet at least quarterly. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if the Department of Public Health and Human Services fails to implement the board's recommendations, a hearing must be held. Notably, it deletes the previous provision regarding foster care review committees and inserts language to include citizen review boards in the context of record disclosures, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability in child welfare processes.

The bill also amends procedures for handling abuse and neglect petitions, emphasizing the rights of parents, guardians, and interested parties. It establishes that if personal service cannot be made on parents or guardians, the court must appoint an attorney for the unavailable party if necessary for justice. Furthermore, it mandates legal notice for foster parents and relatives caring for the child regarding all judicial hearings, while also introducing a requirement for written notice to parents or guardians about their rights, including the right to a review by the citizen review board. The bill outlines detailed information requirements for abuse and neglect petitions, clarifies the burden of proof, and prioritizes these cases in court scheduling. Overall, the bill aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the child welfare system in Montana, ensuring that children's rights and best interests are prioritized throughout the legal process.

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: 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