Opinion ID: 880520
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Long-Term Custody

Text: The District Court granted custody of T.H. and A.H. to the State until such time as they reach the age of 18, or until further order of the court. The court's authority to do so was derived from § 41-3-406, MCA. Under this statute, once a youth is found to be abused, neglected or dependent, custody of that youth can be transferred to the State. We will not overturn such a ruling absent a clear showing of abuse of discretion. In re Moyer (1977), 173 Mont. 208, 567 P.2d 47. Given the unfortunate circumstances resulting from the mother's emotional and psychological difficulties, it is clear that granting custody of these two youths to the Department was not an abuse of discretion. The District Court applied the correct law to the facts before it, and its findings of fact are supported by substantial credible evidence. We therefore affirm the court's order. WEBER, SHEEHY, GULBRANDSON and HUNT, JJ., concur.