MT SB318

Requires judges, standing masters, and guardians ad litem in child custody cases to complete mandatory training on domestic violence and child abuse, including 20 hours initial training and 15 hours ongoing training every 2 years

Establishes children's rights in custody proceedings, including the right to be heard, to be protected from violence and abuse, and to refuse relationships with unfit family members

Prohibits courts from removing children from or restricting contact with a competent, protective, non-abusive parent solely to improve the child's relationship with the other parent

Requires courts to consider evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, protection orders, and related arrests/convictions when a parent is found to be a predominant aggressor or perpetrator of violence

Mandates that reunification treatments ordered by courts must have scientifically valid proof of safety and effectiveness, and cannot be predicated on cutting off a child from a bonded parent