Child & Family Services Advisory Councils

The Child and Family Services Division stays current with Montana’s changing needs for children and families served through the advice and guidance of one state and 9 local Advisory Councils.

Council members participate in planning activities and help the Division to assess community needs and educate the public. Council members represent state and local governments, Indian Child Welfare issues, child and family issues, education, health services, prevention and treatment service providers, the courts and legal system, the geographical area served, and youth.

State Advisory Council: Made up of Tribal, judicial, community partners, youth and parents with lived experiences within the child welfare system, and other representatives from regional councils. For more information, contact Deputy Division Administrator, Brandi Loch, 406-799-1823, brandiloch@mt.gov

Connected Voices for Montana’s Children (Parent Advisory Council): Made up of biological, foster, guardianship, and adoptive parents. For more information, contact Licensing Bureau Chief, Theresa Becker, 406-883-7839, tbecker@mt.gov

Youth Advisory Board (YAB): This is currently made up of youth who have lived experience in Montana’s foster care system and are part of Montana’s Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY) Project. For more information, contact Training, Recruitment and Retention Bureau Chief, Courtney Callaghan, 406-329-1542, CCallaghan@mt.gov

Regional Advisory Council (RAC): Each regions Regional Administrator host Regional Advisory Councils throughout the year which are made up of tribal, judicial, and community partners. For more information, contact the Regional Administrator of your local region.

  • Region I, Eastern Montana: For more information, contact Regional Administrator Eric Barnosky, 406-234-1385,  ebarnosky@mt.gov
  • Region II, North-central Montana:For more information, contact Regional Administrator Sahrita Jones-Jessee, 406-268-3762, jones@mt.gov
  • Region III, South-central Montana:For more information, contact Regional Administrator Deb Cole, 406-970-7855, decole@mt.gov
  • Region IV, Southwestern Montana (Bozeman, Butte and Surrounding Areas):For more information, contact Regional Administrator Jennifer Hoerauf, 406-496-4950,  jhoerauf@mt.gov
  • Region IV, Southwestern Montana (Helena and Surrounding Areas): ):For more information, contact Regional Administrator Laura McCullough, 406-444-6849, LMcCullough@mt.gov
  • Region V, Western Montana:For more information, contact Regional Administrator Kate Larcom, 406-329-1591, KLarcom@mt.gov
  • Region VI, Northwestern Montana: For more information, contact Regional Administrator Jennifer Blodgett, 406-300-7422, Jennifer.Blodgett@mt.gov