MT SB73

Requires prehearing conference facilitators to be notified within 24 hours when a child is placed in protective care, along with notification to the office of state public defender

Mandates that a prehearing conference be held within 5 days of a child's removal and before an emergency protective services hearing (previously, participation was optional for parents/guardians)

Adds the child's legal counsel as a required participant in prehearing conferences, alongside parents/guardians (if they choose to participate), their legal counsel, the county attorney's office, and a department social worker

Prehearing conferences must address: current and continued placement options, in-home safety plan alternatives, parenting time schedules, and family treatment services