ICPC State Pages

Compact Administrators

Compact Administrator Theresa Becker Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services 49627 Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860 406-883-7839 406-883-3897 fax .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Deputy Compact Administrator Lori Hedges PO Box 8005 Helena, MT 59604 (406) 841-2417 Fax (406) 841-2463 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) All requests, Reg. 1, Reg. 2, Reg. 7 and Reg. 12 Please send all requests to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Duane"Adam” Cordiner PO Box 8005 Helena, MT 59604 (406) 841-2453 Fax (406) 841-2463 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Reg 4 Please send all requests to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Consultants

ICPC Specialist (A-H)	Administrative Assistant (A-L) N/A
ICPC Specialist (I-Q) no information provided	Administrative Assistant (M-Z) no information provided
ICPC Specialist (R-Z) no information provided

Mailing Address

Regular Mailing Address ICPC Administrator DPHHS PO Box 8005 Helena MT 59604

Federal Express Address ICPC Administrator DPHHS 111 N Jackson St Ste 2B Helena, MT 59601

Useful Telephone Numbers

Child Abuse Hotline 1-866-820-5437	Juvenile Compact Office Robert Hislop Interstate Compact Agent Public Safety Support Services Bureau| .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Office: 406-444-4037 | 5 S. Last Chance Gulch PO Box 201301 | Helena, MT 59620 COR.MT.GOV
Mental Health Compact Office Randy Vetter Montana State Hospital 406 693-7000

Useful Websites

 

General Iinformation

 

Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ

Adoption

Independent /Private

Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:

Montana permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions

Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:

• 42-4-202, MCA
• 42-4-101, MCA

Public

Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements

Adoptive parents must be at least 18 years of age; be physically, mentally,and emotionally competent to care for children; like and understand children; be in good general health; be of good moral character; be able to demonstrate the adoptive home has sufficient resources to meet the needs of their existing family; comply with state laws including those that relate to the possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms; and have lived together for at least 24 months unless an exception is granted.  No person residing in or visiting the adoptive home may pose a risk or threat to the safety and well being of children in the home.  Adoptive parents must complete an application, a home study, training, and criminal and child protection checks.

INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC

The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions

Adoption Assistance

Adoption assistance payments begins

• Other : can be at placement or finalization depending on the circumstances of the case

Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)

no information provided

Special Needs

Montana definition of "Special Needs"

A child who is a dependent of a public or voluntary licensed child placement agency and meets at least one of the following criteria: (1) diagnosed as having a physical, mental, or emotional disability, (2) recognized to be at high risk of developing a physical, mental, or emotional disability, (3) a member of a minority group, (4) six years of age or older, or (5) a member of a sibling group to be placed together for adoption

Finalization

Adoption may be finalized in another state:

• Yes

Before finalization can occur in Montana, child must be in adoptive placement:

• 6 months

Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition

42-5-101, MCA

Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases

 Petitioners must reside in the state at the time that the petition is filed.  Proceedings for adoption must be brought in the district court of the county where the petitioners reside, 42-1-104, MCA.

Home Study (Adoptions)

Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:

 Home study requirements are outlined under 42-3-203 through 42-3-205.  Adoption petition requirements are outlined in 42-5-101, MCA.

Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study

• Yes

Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study

• Private Adoptions: Yes
• Independent Adoptions: Yes

Age of Majority

State's age of majority

• 18 years

Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:

• 41-1-101, MCA

Services (after Age of Majority)

As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:

• Supervision
• Respite
• Medicaid

Appeals

Appeals permitted:

• Home Study: No
• ICPC Decision: No

Border Agreements

Border Agreements permitted:

• Yes

Current Border Agreements with:

• None - Not Applicable

Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry

Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks

Montana requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent

 

Criminal Background Screening

The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.

• Finger Print cards

 

Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:

• Do Not use Live Scan/Computerized Technology

 

Background Screening

State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:

Fingerprint-based criminal checks are completed on all prospective foster, adoptive, and guardianship parents and all adults in their households.

 

Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:

a conviction for a serious crime including homicide, sexual intercourse without consent, kidnapping, and robbery;

a conviction for a crime pertaining to children and families, including child abuse and neglect, incest, child sexual abuse, and child pornography;

within the last five years, a felony conviction for a drug related offense; or

a conviction of abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a developmental disability.

 

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Results

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: Not Offered
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 15-30 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Verification of Criminal Records Results

• Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background

Custody Matters - NON ICPC

(NOTE: These are private or domestic custody matters brought before the court for determination/decision)

Non-ICPC Requests - (i.e. private/domestic custody cases)

ICPC Office will not investigate a domestic or private custody matter.

• Parent vs. Parent: No
• Third Parties: No

ICPC Offices will assist with referral:

• No

Custody Investigation

No information provided

Definitions

Montana Specific Definitions

If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).

Adoption

Same

Foster-Adopt

Montana uses the term "concurrent family."

Foster Care

Same

Parent

Same

Relative

Montana uses the term "kin" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

Relative Foster Care

Montana uses the term "kinship foster care" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

General Definitions

Adoption

is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. Adoption results in the severing of the parental responsibilities and rights of the biological parents and the placing of those responsibilities and rights onto the adoptive parents. After the finalization of an adoption, there is no legal difference between biological and adopted children.

The types of adoptions permitted by each state are governed by state law:

• Private Agency - are adoptions facilitated by a private licensed agency (i.e. domestic and international).
• Independent - are adoptions facilitated by an attorney, other intermediary, or adoption facilitator as defined by state law.
• Public - are adoptions facilitated by a public state or local agency and involve children who are in the custody of a state/local government agency.

Days

means “Calendar” (not business) days.

Foster - Adopt

is an individual who has been approved as a licensed foster parent and who has made an offer of an adoption commitment if the child becomes legally free.

Foster Care (Provider)

is any person other than a natural or adoptive parent with whom a child is in the care, custody, or guardianship of the State Child Welfare Agency and placed by said division, or with its approval for temporary or long-term care but shall not include any person with whom a child is placed for the purpose of adoption.  Foster home means and includes private residences that are licensed, or specialized group homes.

Foster Care Maintenance Payments

means payments to cover the cost of (and the cost of providing) food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, and reasonable travel to the child's home for visitation. In the case of institutional care, such term shall include the reasonable costs of administration and operation of such institution as are necessarily required to provide the items described in the preceding sentence.

Legal Risk Adoptions

A legal risk adoption, or a legal risk placement, is one where a prospective adoptive child is placed in your home although the child is not yet legally free to be adopted.

License/certification/approval

means approval and or certification granted by the authority of a state regulatory agency.

Live Scan

is an electronic computerized technology which digitally scans fingerprints and provides immediate transmission of fingerprint records to the Department of Justice, FBI or other authorized receiving agency.

Parent

is a biological, adoptive parent or legal guardian as determined by applicable State law and is responsible for the care, custody and control of a child or upon whom there is legal duty for such care.

Relative

is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great including grand parent or great grandparent, or as defined in your state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.

Relative-Foster Care

refers to a person who meets the definition of a relative as noted above and has been approved as a licensed foster parent.

Public Education Costs

Montana charges for public education:

• No

Montana charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)

• No

Montana charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:

• No

Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments

FINANCIAL PLANS

Montana permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Montana as the Receiving State.

• Medicaid
• TANF Child Only
• TANF–Family
• Kin-Guardianship - State

As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:

• Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
• Applying for TANF - Child Only
• Title IV-E Foster Care
• Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
• Sending State Adoption Assistance
• Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
• Medicaid
• Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance

As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:

• Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
• Applying for TANF - Child Only
• Title IV-E Foster Care
• Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
• Sending State Adoption Assistance
• Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
• Kin-Guardianship - State
• Medicaid
• Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance

MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.

• Yes

Medicaid

The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).

• Yes

WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS

Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:

• No waiting period

Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:

• No waiting period

STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE

As the Sending State, Montana will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible

• Yes: Montana Medicaid Card

As the Sending State, Montana will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.

• Yes

PAYMENTS MADE

TANF Payments

• May be made to Montana relatives who are caring for a child who is within the fifth degree of kinship and for whom they are not receiving foster care payments

Adoption assistance payments begin:

• Other, please specify

Foster Care Payments

• Montana can make foster care payments at its rates if there is a financial need and the home has met the receiving state’s licensing requirements.

Special Education Payments

• Yes

Daycare Payments

• No

Kinship Program

none

TITLE IV-E

Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).

• Yes

Title IV-E documentation/verification required

• Yes: The sending state should send documentation of eligibility from its eligibility worker and a copy of the birth certificate and Social Security card.

Foster Care

RATES (Foster Care)

Foster care rate paid at:

• Sending State’s rate
• Negotiable

Montana foster care rates:

REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)

Foster Care Resource Requirements:

Foster parents must be at least 18 years of age; be physically, mentally,and emotionally competent to care for children; like and understand children; be in good general health; be of good moral character; be able to demonstrate the foster home has sufficient resources to meet the needs of their existing family, independent  of foster care reimbursements; comply with state laws including those that relate to the possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms; and have lived together for at least 24 months unless an exception is granted.  No person residing in or visiting the foster home may pose a risk or threat to the safety and well being of children in the home.  The foster home shall protect the foster child from exposure to sexual or violent language and behavior inappropriate to the child's age, including but not limited to, physical activity, visual or media depictions, and music, including lyrics.  Foster parents must complete an application, a home study, training, and criminal and child protection checks. 

Training (Education and Training)

• Foster parents must complete the Department's Keeping Children Safe training, which is an 18 hour training, and must complete 15 hours of on-going training each year.

Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)

Types of Home Studies

Montana conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption

Montana designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.

• Yes

Montana considers a home study as current/valid for:

• 1 year

Private Contract Services - Home Study

As the Sending State, Montana will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study

• Yes

As the Receiving State, Montana will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.

• Yes

As the Receiving State, Montana will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.

• Other: Montana will accept the study but will not update it.

Adoptive Home Studies

Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• No

Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study

• Private Adoptions: Yes
• Independent Adoptions: Yes

DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:

• Yes

Foster Care Home Study

Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• Yes

Parent Home Study

If child has been removed from the parent, Montana requires a home study evaluation before reunification.

• yes

Non-Custodial Parents

Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:

no information provided

Proof of Paternity is required:

• No

Relative/Kinship Home Study

Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• Yes

Define Relative

Montana uses the term "kinship" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

Relatives must be licensed:

• No

Proof of Paternity is required:

• No

Montana considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)

• 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
• 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
• 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
• 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
• Godmother, Godfather
• Other

Montana uses the term "kinship" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

Regulation 7 Priority Placement

Montana performs priority placements:

• Yes

A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 60 days

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 60 days

Montana determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Other

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Criminal Record Checks

Montana requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Results

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: Not Offered
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 15-30 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

ICPC Processing And Data Collection

Montana conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption

ICPC Placement Checklists

Date of Receipt - Home Study

Montana determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Other

Montana designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.

• Yes

Private Contract Services - Home Study

As the Sending State, Montana will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study

• Yes

Criminal Records Checks

Montana requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Wait/Processing Times

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 60 days

Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: Not Offered
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 15-30 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 3-6 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 1 year

Montana offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• OtherThis varies based on each region of the Child and Family Services Division and the need for the training.

Wait Time for ICPC Decision

Data Collection

Montana collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:

• State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)

Montana collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via

• State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)

Licensing/Certification/Approval

Licensing

Dual Licensing state:

• Yes

Montana uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:

• Approve (Adoption)
• Verified (Foster Home)
• Certified

Montana requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:

• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Adoption
• Foster/Adopt

Montana resource training program is as follows:

• PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)

Montana will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:

• Adoption
  OtherMontana will give full and partial credit.
• Foster Care
  OtherMontana will give full and partial credit.

Title IV-E documentation/verification required

• Yes: The sending state should send documentation of eligibility from its eligibility worker and a copy of the birth certificate and Social Security card.

Requirements (Licensing)

Licensing Requirements

• A person may not maintain or operate a youth care facility for any child or children within the meaning of this part without first securing a license from the Department, 52-2-621, MCA.

Foster Care Placements

• Foster homes must be licensed by the Department or a Montana licensed child placing agency.

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 3-6 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 1 year

Montana offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• OtherThis varies based on each region of the Child and Family Services Division and the need for the training.

Parent Studies

Montana conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption

Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification

If child has been removed from the parent, Montana requires a home study evaluation before reunification.

• yes

Non-Custodial Parents

Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:

no information provided

Proof of Paternity is required:

• No

Regulation 7 Priority Placement

Montana performs priority placements:

• Yes

A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 60 days

Montana determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Other

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Criminal Records Checks

Montana requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: Not Offered
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 15-30 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Verification of Criminal Records Results

• Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 3-6 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 1 year

Montana offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• OtherThis varies based on each region of the Child and Family Services Division and the need for the training.

Relative Placements

Montana conducts the following types of home studies:

• Relative Care
• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Parent Care
• Foster- Adopt
• Adoption

Relative Home Study

Define Relative

Montana uses the term "kinship" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

Relatives must be licensed:

• No

Proof of Paternity is required:

• No

Montana considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)

• 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
• 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
• 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
• 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
• Godmother, Godfather
• Other

Montana uses the term "kinship" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

Regulation 7 Priority Placement

Montana performs priority placements:

• Yes

A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.

Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):

• 60 days

Montana determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:

• Other

Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study

Criminal Records Checks

Montana requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:

• Foster Care
• Relative Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Foster-Adopt
• Adoption
• Parent

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: Not Offered
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 15-30 days
• Local/County: Not Offered

Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):

• 60 days

Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)

Montana requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))

Verification of Criminal Records Results

• Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background

Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 3-6 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.

• 1 year

Montana offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:

• OtherThis varies based on each region of the Child and Family Services Division and the need for the training.

Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities

Before Montana will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).

• No

Residential Placements

Montana uses AAICPC Regulation 4 to determine the need for ICPC compliance.  This Regulation requires ICPC for "any placement of a minor for treatment of that minor's chronic mental or behavioral condition into a facility having treatment programs for acute and chronic conditions."

Supervisory Reports

Montana Requires face-to-face supervision:

• Once a month

Montana will provide supervision of an interstate placement:

• Until the ICPC case is closed

Montana Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State

• Quarterly

Montana will send a supervision report to:

• The ICPC in the Sending State

Supervision Guidelines

Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):

• Best Practice Guidelines for Supervision via the ICPC

Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• No

Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

• Yes

After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.

• No

Relative Home Study

Define Relative

Montana uses the term "kinship" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.

Relatives must be licensed:

• No

Proof of Paternity is required:

• No

Montana considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)

• 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
• 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
• 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
• 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
• Godmother, Godfather
• Other

Montana uses the term "kinship" and includes a member of the child's extended family, a member of the child's or family's Tribe, the child's godparents, and the child's step-parents in the definition.