Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has announced a series of investments using federal funds to support families and children in the state. The funding, sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will focus on preventing child abuse, expanding employment training for SNAP recipients, and providing early intervention services for young children with developmental delays or disabilities.

The governor has allocated over $310,000 in supplemental funds to enhance child safety measures through Montana’s Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) grant. "Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment," Gov. Gianforte stated. He emphasized that these funds will ensure professionals are available to provide necessary care and support for affected children.

These funds will be used to develop Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) and Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across Montana, expand safety science methods, and increase forensic interview trainings.

In addition, more than $1.6 million is being directed towards expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training program. This initiative aims to assist eligible SNAP household members in gaining skills and workforce experience. Currently limited to three counties—Yellowstone, Missoula, and Lewis and Clark—the expansion seeks broader statewide reach. "By infusing these funds into the program with an eye towards long-term sustainability, we’ll be able to expand valuable workforce training services across the state," said Gov. Gianforte.

The governor also approved over $1.2 million for the Montana Milestones/Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Early Intervention Program. This program supports families with infants and toddlers who have significant developmental delays or disabilities. In FY 2020, approximately 1,540 children were served by this program; however, enrollment fell by 48 percent during FY 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Providing supports to parents and serving children with developmental delays or disabilities when they’re under the age of three can prevent further, more costly services," Gov. Gianforte explained.

Furthermore, over $32 million has been allocated for COVID-19 screening and testing in schools throughout Montana.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will oversee these initiatives as well as others aimed at increasing childcare access announced earlier by Governor Gianforte.