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Bill would remove 'founded' classification from child‑welfare determinations; advocates say change would increase transparency
Summary
Senate Bill 402 would eliminate the 'founded' category from child‑abuse/neglect determinations and align state reporting with federal CAPTA categories. Proponents argued 'founded' has been applied inconsistently; Children and Family Services staff explained how determinations affect background checks and services.
Senate Public Health Committee heard Senate Bill 402, which would remove the “founded” classification from child‑welfare case determinations and align Montana’s civil reporting categories with the three determinations required by federal CAPTA: substantiated, unsubstantiated and unfounded.
Senator Dennis Lend said the bill seeks to eliminate a gray zone voters and families find confusing and to codify consistent…
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