Child Welfare in Montana: The Kolstad Family (Part 1)

To many, a true Montana value is the privilege of a family unit

The state of Montana is graced with generational families who’ve built this state into what it is today. Descendants of those who built the past — are fighting for the future — like Todd and Krista Kolstad of Glasgow.

Child Welfare cases are complex in nature; they are not one size fits all

In the Kolstad experience, it’s a fight for parental rights. Upon their child’s admittance to the hospital, medical staff and state case workers identified their child as the opposite sex and their preferred name — at the request of the child and against the wishes of the parents. In the first of this three-part series, we meet the Kolstad’s, hear their concern, and look at why the state removed custody of their child.

The Kolstad Family Dynamic

Todd Kolstad is a native to Montana’s Hi-Line. The Glasgow Scottie married his wife Krista almost a decade ago.

Todd, a father of five children outside of his marriage with his current wife, moved home to Glasgow a few years ago. His five children are spread out across the country and globe — all but one are adults and living on their own.

Todd moved his family home to Glasgow a few years ago – selling their home in the Flathead Valley. While his wife Krista, retired as a Funeral Director to spend more time with family.

The child Todd and Krista once knew began to look different in their eyes

“It’s very, very difficult. Very difficult,” explained Kolstad. “A couple weeks ago or so, we took a walk behind where she is at right now. They have a large yard in the back. We walked and we talked like it was before and (I think) how precious those moments were.” This quote is from January 2024.

He told MTN he and his child were inseparable while they were young. The two walked to school each day, ate breakfast together, and played on computer. A passion the two share. The happy times don’t mask day-to-day struggles experienced at home.

A 2021 Kolstad Hiccup

Behavior is a common theme throughout The Kolstad family’s story. Following the family’s move to Glasgow — the goal to create a better life seemed to be far away as the problems persisted.

The Kolstad parents told MTN educators in the Glasgow School District were instrumental in bringing to light a potential mental health disorder with their minor child.

With behavior headlining this story, it isn’t hard to find a mugshot of Todd Kolstad online. He was arrested in 2021 by the Glasgow Police Department after a conversation of how to discipline his child with his wife.

August 18, 2023 — Kolstad Family Investigation

On August 18, 2023 — a Child Protection Specialist, or CPS, spoke to a minor “reporter” who was confirmed by the Kolstad’s a friend of their child. The reporter was concerned over text messages sent from the (child) stating they were going to end their life. The report acknowledges that (child) recently came out as transgender and their “parents do not accept this.”

What happened next

Throughout MTN’s investigation into this case we looked for answers directly at the source, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. In installment two of the Child Welfare series, MTN will outline the questions and correspondence it’s had with Child and Family Services.

When reading the case file, MTN asked the Kolstad’s about their concern for their.

Krista told MTN, “We’re going to get through this. We’re going to fight as hard as we can,” adding, “We feel our family is already broken… We don’t care about our daughter being transgender. We don’t feel she is capable of making this decision right now. We want mental health addressed before her transition.”

COMING UP ON APRIL 1st:

In Part 2 of our series, we look deeper inside the DPHHS Policy book, the Montana Constitution, and hear from those who have transitioned and de-transitioned from gender affirming care. MTN is looking to gain a full understanding of the complexities that come in these child welfare cases.

COMING UP ON APRIL 4th:

In Part 3 of our series, we look at where the Kolstad family is now, while also investigating happened to their child and taking a closer look into the final order when the state removed the custody of their child.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: krtv.com

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