Montana House Bill HB657

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/20/23
• Engrossed: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/13/23
• Failed: 5/8/23

Caption

Generally revise laws related to child and family ombudsman

Impact

The bill amends several sections of law concerning the powers and duties of the Ombudsman, expanding its authority to address issues surrounding retaliatory actions. This revision is designed to strengthen the oversight mechanisms of Child Protective Services, ensuring that families can seek recourse if they feel they have been discriminated against or retaliated upon by department employees. This could lead to increased trust in the system, as families would have a dedicated process to report and remedy grievances related to child welfare services.

Summary

House Bill 657 aims to revise laws related to the Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman. The bill allows parents, family members, or foster parents to submit requests for assistance regarding retaliatory actions taken by Child Protective Services employees. It mandates that the Office of the Ombudsman is authorized to investigate these reports of retaliation and requires that courts be notified of the findings of such investigations. This measure emphasizes protecting the rights of families and ensuring accountability within the Child Protective Services system.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill is a necessary step toward safeguarding parental rights and ensuring that families can report misconduct without fear of retaliation, there may be concerns regarding the implications this could have on the operations within Child Protective Services. Critics might raise issues about the potential for misuse of the reporting process and whether this could complicate or hinder the work of protecting children, creating a tense dynamic between service providers and the families they serve. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting family rights while also ensuring that the focus remains on child welfare.