Terms Used In Montana Code 41-3-108

• Child protection specialist: means an employee of the department who investigates allegations of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment and has been certified pursuant to 41-3-127. See Montana Code 41-3-102
• Department: means the department of public health and human services provided for in 2-15-2201. See Montana Code 41-3-102
• Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
• Indian child: has the meaning provided in 41-3-1303. See Montana Code 41-3-102
• Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
• Protective services: means services provided by the department:

  (i)to enable a child alleged to have been abused or neglected to remain safely in the home;

  (ii)to enable a child alleged to have been abused or neglected who has been removed from the home to safely return to the home; or

  (iii)to achieve permanency for a child adjudicated as a youth in need of care when circumstances and the best interests of the child prevent reunification with parents or a return to the home. See Montana Code 41-3-102

• Treatment plan: means a written agreement between the department and the parent or guardian or a court order that includes action that must be taken to resolve the condition or conduct of the parent or guardian that resulted in the need for protective services for the child. See Montana Code 41-3-102