Religious Rights of Youth in Out-of-Home Care - Montana
Youths' Religious Rights
Citation: HHS-CFSD Policy, Rights of Youth in Foster Care
In policy: A youth in foster care has the right to the following regarding their religion and culture:
- To have the opportunity to voluntarily practice their religion or Tribal ceremonies
- To attend available religious services or Tribal ceremonies of their choice or their birth parent's choice and to visit with representatives of their faith and/or Tribal elders or spiritual leaders
- To have their religious beliefs or practices, including Tribal spiritual beliefs and practices, respected by the foster parents or agency
- To be encouraged and afforded opportunities to identify with their own cultural heritage
- To have assurance that their participation or nonparticipation in religious activities or Tribal ceremonial activities are not used as a form of discipline
Agency Responsibilities
Citation: Admin. Rules § 37.51.806; HHS-CFSD Policy, Rights of Youth in Foster Care
Each child in foster care shall have the opportunity to voluntarily practice their religion. Foster parents shall allow each child to attend available religious services of their or the birth parent's choice in the community and to visit with representatives of the child's faith. Foster parents shall respect the religious beliefs or practices of the children placed in their home. Each child shall be given the opportunity to identify with their own cultural heritage and shall be encouraged to do so. Participation or nonparticipation by the child in religious activities shall not be used as a form of discipline.
In policy: It is the policy of the State of Montana that the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) will adequately address the expectations listed in this document for all youth in foster care. Also, foster youth aged 14 and older will have the opportunity to meet with the CFSD staff assigned to their case to review this list and have the expectations explained to the youth in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner. Youth aged 14 and older will receive a copy of these rights along with contact information for the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood Chafee program manager.
Addressing Grievances
Citation: HHS-CFSD Policy of Rights of Youth in Foster Care
If a youth believes their rights have been violated or impeded, they will be informed to contact the Chafee program manager, who will be responsible for following up on their concerns.