FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 30 2026

Contact:
Jon Ebelt, Communications Director,
DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov

ParentingMontana.org Relaunches with New Design and Expanded Tools to Support Families

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and Montana State University (MSU) today announced a significant platform update for ParentingMontana.org, a premier digital resource for Montana families.

The update features a redesigned layout and an expanded suite of practical tools.

As a partnership between DPHHS and the Center for Health and Safety Culture (CHSC) at MSU, this project enhances user experience, boosts resource accessibility, and provides essential support to Montana parents and caregivers.

“ParentingMontana.org offers parents and caregivers with children of all ages practical, evidence-based tools to navigate common challenges, such as managing stress, establishing routines, building empathy, cultivating healthy friendships, and setting clear expectations,” Jami Hansen of the DPHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division said.

The resources are organized developmentally by age, from birth through 19. For each topic, users can select a tool to learn how to thoughtfully address common challenges with their children. They can then read or listen to an audio version of the tool to address their parenting challenge and print a summary of key words and actions to help them engage with their child.

“The platform is designed around a powerful strategy: cultivating core skills in children that enable them to connect with others, manage their emotions, and make informed decisions,” Kari Finley, Ph.D., Director and Research Scholar for the CHSC said. “Research shows that strengthening these skills aligns directly with what Montana parents want for their children.”

Growing these foundational abilities delivers powerful results, including reducing risky behaviors (such as underage drinking and misuse of other drugs), preventing mental and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety, and mitigating negative outcomes such as dropping out of school or unemployment. Ultimately, these strong skills lead to better academic performance and workplace success later in life.

The updated website is a valuable resource not only for parents but also for support professionals, such as teachers, physicians, and home-visiting nurses. The enhanced platform signifies DPHHS's continued commitment to providing accessible, effective tools necessary to raise healthy, happy, and resilient youth across Montana.

Visit ParentingMontana.org to explore the new layout and expanded resources.