41-3-128. (Temporary) Certificate requirements -- supervision -- fees. (1) An applicant for certification as a child protection specialist shall:

(a) successfully complete a course in child protection, as defined by the department by rule, which must include training in:

(i) ethics;

(ii) governing statutory and regulatory framework;

(iii) role of law enforcement;

(iv) crisis intervention techniques;

(v) childhood trauma research, including research on the trauma a child experiences when removed from the home;

(vi) evidence-based practices for family preservation and strengthening; and

(vii) the provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. 1902, et seq., and the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act provided for in Title 41, chapter 3, part 13; and

(b) demonstrate the applicant's ability to perform all essential functions of the certified child protection role by earning a passing score on a competency examination developed pursuant to 41-3-130.

(2) As a prerequisite to the issuance of a certificate, the department shall require the applicant to submit fingerprints for the purpose of fingerprint background checks by the Montana department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation as provided in 37-1-307.

(3) An applicant who has a history of criminal convictions has the opportunity to demonstrate to the department that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The department may deny the certificate if it determines that the applicant is not sufficiently rehabilitated. (Terminates June 30, 2025--sec. 55, Ch. 716, L. 2023.)

41-3-128. (Effective July 1, 2025) Certificate requirements -- supervision -- fees. (1) An applicant for certification as a child protection specialist shall:

(a) successfully complete a course in child protection, as defined by the department by rule, which must include training in:

(i) ethics;

(ii) governing statutory and regulatory framework;

(iii) role of law enforcement;

(iv) crisis intervention techniques;

(v) childhood trauma research, including research on the trauma a child experiences when removed from the home;

(vi) evidence-based practices for family preservation and strengthening; and

(vii) the provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. 1902, et seq.; and

(b) demonstrate the applicant's ability to perform all essential functions of the certified child protection role by earning a passing score on a competency examination developed pursuant to 41-3-130.

(2) As a prerequisite to the issuance of a certificate, the department shall require the applicant to submit fingerprints for the purpose of fingerprint background checks by the Montana department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation as provided in 37-1-307.

(3) An applicant who has a history of criminal convictions has the opportunity to demonstrate to the department that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The department may deny the certificate if it determines that the applicant is not sufficiently rehabilitated.