KALISPELL, Mont. — Gov. Greg Gianforte announced this week that the number of Montana children in foster care has fallen by nearly half since he took office, citing a multi-pronged state effort that combines faith-based partnerships, family reunification initiatives, and financial incentives for adoptive parents.
According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the current foster care population stands at 1,749 children, down from more than 3,300 in early 2021 — a 47 percent reduction over five years.
“Since taking office, it’s been a top priority for my administration to find permanent, loving homes for all Montana children,” Gianforte said. “I am proud to report we’ve made great progress, reducing the number of kids in foster care by nearly half while prioritizing stronger families, reunification, and encouraging adoption.”
The governor made the announcement during a roundtable discussion at Flathead Valley Community College, organized in partnership with Rooted Families. The gathering brought together child welfare specialists, school superintendents, state legislators, foster and adoptive parents, and representatives from faith-based organizations to assess the state’s progress and identify remaining gaps.
Participants raised ongoing concerns about the declining stability of families entering the child welfare system, noting a rise in mental health crises affecting children at younger ages. A child welfare specialist serving Flathead County said kinship placements have become harder to secure as families increasingly struggle with drug and alcohol abuse alongside rising housing costs.
The roundtable also spotlighted Care Portal, an online platform operated by Rooted Families that allows school superintendents to post unmet student needs — ranging from mattresses and clothing to musical instruments — for local churches and community organizations to fulfill.
“Rooted Families equips and connects churches with simple, practical ways to engage vulnerable children and strengthen families,” said Aaron Scofield, executive director of Rooted Families. “We help churches build systems that turn care into the effective, consistent, coordinated support that’s needed statewide.”
In 2022, Gianforte established the Office of Faith and Community Based Services within the Department of Public Health and Human Services, tasked with connecting foster and adoptive families to community and faith-based support networks. The state has partnered with organizations including Child Bridge and Rooted Families to recruit, train, and support foster families caring for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The legislature in 2023 passed, and the governor signed, an adoption tax credit of $5,000 per child, or $7,500 for children adopted within Montana.
“Children in foster care deserve hope, reunification, or a future with families willing to open their loving homes to support them,” said Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, a sponsor of the tax credit legislation. “I’m proud to support the governor’s efforts to strengthen Montana kids and families.”
By: Big Sky Broadcasting Newswire