Rights Of Parents And Children -- Policy -- Findings

(1) It is the policy of the state of Montana: (a) to recognize the constitutionally protected rights of parents and the integrity of the family unit; (b) to recognize a child's constitutionally protected rights, including all fundamental rights unless those rights are specifically precluded by laws that enhance their protection; and (c) to ensure that the best interests of the child are met in parenting proceedings. (2) The legislature finds: (a) that while it is in the best interests of a child to maintain a relationship with a natural parent, a natural parent's inchoate interest in the child requires constitutional protection only when the parent has demonstrated a timely commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood; and (b) that a parent's constitutionally protected interest in the parental control of a child should yield to the best interests of the child when the parent's conduct is contrary to the child-parent relationship.