Montana Code 42-1-102. Adoption policy
42-1-102. Adoption policy. (1) It is the policy of the state of Montana to ensure that the best interests of the child are met by adoption proceedings.
Terms Used In Montana Code 42-1-102
- Adoption: means the act of creating the legal relationship between parent and child when it does not exist genetically. See Montana Code 42-1-103
- Child: means any person under 18 years of age. See Montana Code 42-1-103
- State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201
(2)The primary purpose of adoption is to help a child become a permanent member of a nurturing family that can give the child the care, protection, and opportunities essential for healthy personal growth and development.
(3)The well-being of the adopted child is the main objective in the placement of a child for adoption. The needs of the child must be the primary focus of adoption proceedings, with full recognition of the interdependent needs and interests of birth parents and adoptive parents.
(4)It is the policy of the state of Montana to support relationships between adoptees and their birth families when desired by the affected parties.