Kalispell, Montana – Montana officials say the number of children in foster care across the state has dropped dramatically over the last several years, marking what Governor Greg Gianforte described as a major step toward strengthening families and finding permanent homes for vulnerable children.
Governor Gianforte announced this week that the number of children in Montana’s foster care system has fallen by nearly half since he took office in 2021.
According to figures released by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, there are currently 1,749 children in foster care statewide. In early 2021, that number stood at more than 3,300 children.
The state says the decrease represents a 47 percent reduction during Gianforte’s administration.
“Since taking office, it’s been a top priority for my administration to find permanent, loving homes for all Montana children,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am proud to report we’ve made great progress, reducing the number of kids in foster care by nearly half while prioritizing stronger families, reunification, and encouraging adoption.”
Officials and Community Leaders Discuss Child Welfare Challenges
The announcement came during a roundtable discussion held at Flathead Valley Community College.
The event was organized in partnership with Rooted Families and brought together child welfare workers, legislators, school leaders, foster and adoptive parents, faith organizations, churches, and community advocates.
During the discussion, participants examined ongoing challenges facing Montana families and children in need of care.
Governor Gianforte opened the meeting by asking attendees about the most urgent needs affecting families in the Flathead region.
Several participants pointed to the decline of stable family structures, growing mental health struggles among children, and increasing pressures tied to substance abuse and housing costs.
A child welfare specialist serving Flathead County through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Children and Families Division explained that kinship placements have become more difficult because many relatives are also facing problems involving drug abuse, alcohol addiction, and financial instability.
Community members also discussed the role schools and churches play in supporting children experiencing hardship.
Officials highlighted the use of Care Portal, an online care-sharing system operated by Rooted Families that allows school superintendents to identify needs for struggling students. Churches and community organizations can then help provide requested items ranging from mattresses and clothing to instruments for after-school programs.
Participants noted that community support systems are becoming increasingly important as schools encounter more children requiring intervention and assistance.
State Expands Partnerships to Support Foster and Adoptive Families
State officials credited several programs and partnerships for helping improve outcomes for children in foster care.
In 2022, Governor Gianforte established the Office of Faith and Community Based Services within the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
The office works with churches, nonprofit organizations, and local groups to strengthen support systems for foster and adoptive families throughout Montana.
The state has partnered closely with organizations such as Child Bridge and Rooted Families, formerly known as Promise 686, to recruit, train, and support foster families caring for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
“Rooted Families equips and connects churches with simple, practical ways to engage vulnerable children and strengthen families — we help churches build systems that turn care into the effective consistent, coordinated support that’s needed statewide,” said Aaron Scofield, Executive Director of Rooted Families.
Montana lawmakers have also taken steps aimed at encouraging adoption.
In 2023, the Montana Legislature approved an adoption tax credit that was later signed into law by Governor Gianforte.
The tax credit provides adoptive families with up to $5,000, or $7,500 if the adoption occurs within Montana.
Representative Courtenay Sprunger of Kalispell said the legislation was designed to give more children an opportunity to find permanent homes.
“In 2023, I was proud to carry the bill to establish the Adoption Tax Credit to encourage adoption and to support adoptive families in Montana,” Sprunger said. “Children in foster care deserve hope, reunification, or a future with families willing to open their loving homes to support them. I proud to support the governor’s efforts to strengthen for Montana kids and families.”
At the conclusion of the roundtable discussion, Governor Gianforte also signed a proclamation recognizing May as Foster Care Month in Montana.
Officials said the proclamation honors foster children, foster parents, adoptive families, and the organizations working to support vulnerable youth throughout the state.
