Child Welfare in Montana: The Kolstad Family (Part 3)
Child Welfare in Montana: The Kolstad Family (Part 3) KRTV NEWS Great Falls
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Investigation Reveals Alleged Violation of Parental Rights in Montana
In January, Todd and Krista Kolstad of Glasgow uploaded a YouTube video documenting their interactions with the state of Montana regarding their family. After the video gained attention, MTN (Montana Television Network) met with the Kolstad family to investigate their claims of parental rights violation. The family’s case has prompted discussions about state legislation and the importance of protecting parental rights.
Support from Montana House Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe
The Kolstad family found support from Montana House Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe (R-Billings), who emphasized the need for parents to have a say in how they raise their children. Seekins-Crowe expressed empathy for the Kolstad family and hopes that justice will be served.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Policy
The investigation revealed that the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) promotes family reunification in cases involving Child and Family Services Division investigations. The DPHHS policy aims to protect the health and welfare of children and ensure their care and protection.
HB 676: Protecting Fundamental Parental Rights
MT Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe sponsored HB 676, a bill that revises laws regarding fundamental parental rights. The bill emphasizes that parents have exclusive rights to make decisions about their child’s medical care and upbringing without interference from the government.
Debate Over Transgender Child’s Care
The Kolstad family became involved in a Child and Family Services investigation after their youngest child expressed a desire to identify as male. The family believes that the focus should be on addressing the child’s mental health rather than immediately transitioning their gender. Democratic lawmaker and transgender woman, Zooey Zephyr, argued that immediate action is necessary to protect a child’s well-being in such cases.
Concerns About Misinformation and Hate Speech
Zooey Zephyr raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and hate speech when discussing transgender children publicly. She highlighted instances of violence that have occurred as a result of such discussions and emphasized the need for protecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Parental Rights and Child Welfare
The Kolstad family believes that their parental rights were violated, while child welfare advocates argue that the child’s safety and well-being should take precedence. The court ultimately removed custodial rights from the Kolstad parents and placed the child in the custody of the non-offending parent, the birth mother in Canada.
Legal Actions and Response from Valley County Attorney
The Kolstad family has filed lawsuits in the Montana Appellate Court, which were denied and dismissed by the Supreme Court. Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen issued a statement clarifying that the State of Montana had requested to dismiss the case, but the Kolstads objected and requested continued involvement from the state.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, MTN reported that the child is no longer suicidal under the care of the birth mother in Canada, and the Kolstad parents have maintained contact with their child with the custodial parent’s approval.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article relate to the well-being and rights of children and families, access to healthcare and mental health support, education, gender identity, and the role of government institutions in protecting children’s rights.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 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.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
The article discusses the need for mental health support for children, education on gender identity, protection of parental rights, and the prevention of discrimination and violence against children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.4: Number of suicides or suicide attempts among children and adolescents.
- Indicator for SDG 4.7: Percentage of schools that include education on gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues in their curriculum.
- Indicator for SDG 5.1: Number of reported cases of discrimination against women and girls based on gender identity.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Percentage of children and families who report feeling included and respected by government institutions.
- Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of reported cases of child abuse, exploitation, and violence.
These indicators can be used to measure progress in addressing the issues discussed in the article and achieving the corresponding targets.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 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. | Indicator: Number of suicides or suicide attempts among children and adolescents. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Indicator: Percentage of schools that include education on gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues in their curriculum. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. | Indicator: Number of reported cases of discrimination against women and girls based on gender identity. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 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. | Indicator: Percentage of children and families who report feeling included and respected by government institutions. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Indicator: Number of reported cases of child abuse, exploitation, and violence. |
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Source: krtv.com
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