The Montana Supreme Court issued an opinion June 9 in the matter of R.J.F., a youth in need of care, affirming or reversing a decision out of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court. The case, docketed as DA 25-0707 and designated 2026 MT 125, was among the court's published opinions for that date.
Youth in need of care cases involve state intervention in the lives of minors, typically through the Department of Public Health and Human Services, and appeals to the Supreme Court often center on questions of parental rights termination, the adequacy of reunification efforts, or procedural compliance at the district court level. The identity of the youth and any parties are shielded by the YINC designation under Montana law.
The Thirteenth Judicial District covers Yellowstone County, meaning the underlying case originated in Billings before reaching the high court in Helena. The full opinion is available through CourtListener and the Montana Supreme Court's public docket.