42-3-203. Information to be reviewed in conducting preplacement evaluation. - Montana Statutes

     42-3-203. Information to be reviewed in conducting preplacement evaluation. (1) A preplacement evaluation must include a review of the following information about the prospective adoptive parent:
     (a) a check of criminal conviction data, data on substantiated abuse or neglect of a child under Title 41, chapter 3, and data pertaining to any involvement in incidents of domestic violence;
     (b) medical and social history and current health;
     (c) assessment of potential parenting skills;
     (d) assessment of ability to provide adequate financial support for a child; and
     (e) assessment of the level of knowledge and awareness of adoption issues, including, when appropriate, matters relating to open, interracial, cross-cultural, and special needs adoptions.
     (2) (a) The prospective adoptive parent, the department of justice, and other state, county, and local agencies, after written notice to the subject of the study, shall give the evaluator completing the adoption study substantiated data pertaining to criminal convictions and any reports concerning domestic violence and substantiated abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults.
     (b) The adoption study may also include a check of the youth court records of any person living in the prospective home. Pursuant to 41-5-215 and 41-5-216, the youth court shall release the requested information to the evaluator completing the adoption study. If applicable, the study must include an evaluation of the effect of a conviction, adjudication, or finding of substantiated abuse or neglect on the ability to care for a child.
     (3) The preplacement evaluation must include at least one in-home visit with the prospective adoptive parent and at least one interview with each family member.

     History: En. Sec. 85, Ch. 480, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 257, L. 1999.