The bill amends Montana's child abuse and neglect laws, specifically focusing on the declaration of policy and placement preferences for children removed from their homes. It emphasizes the state's commitment to protecting children from abuse or neglect and ensuring their welfare within a family environment. Key insertions include provisions that require the Department of Child and Family Services to consider the child's best interests when removing a child due to abuse or neglect and to investigate any criminal history of individuals in potential placement homes. Additionally, the bill establishes a registry for relatives of children who have been removed, allowing them to be notified of the child's situation.

Furthermore, the bill revises placement preferences by disfavoring placements outside of the United States, while still allowing exceptions for cases governed by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act or the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act. The amendments prioritize placements with extended family members, community members with similar ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, and licensed foster homes that meet the child's needs. The overall intent of the bill is to enhance the protection and welfare of children in the state while preserving family unity whenever possible.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_1(1): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_1(2): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_1(3): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_1(4): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_1(5): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_1: 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(1): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(10): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(11): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(12): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(2): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(3): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(4): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(5): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(6): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(7): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(8): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2(9): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_2: 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(1): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(2): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(3): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(4): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(5): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(6): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(7): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X(8): 41-3-101, 41-3-450
HB0694_X: 41-3-101, 41-3-450