The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), in partnership with Montana State University (MSU), has announced an updated version of ParentingMontana.org, a digital platform aimed at supporting families throughout the state. The website features a new design and additional practical tools intended to help parents and caregivers address common parenting challenges.
Jami Hansen, representing the DPHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division, stated, “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.”
The platform organizes its resources by age group from birth through 19 years. Users can select specific tools for different topics to learn how to address issues thoughtfully with their children. Both text and audio versions are available for each tool, along with printable summaries that highlight key words and actions.
Kari Finley, Ph.D., Director and Research Scholar for the Center for Health and Safety Culture at MSU said, “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. Research shows that strengthening these skills aligns directly with what Montana parents want for their children.”
According to DPHHS officials, improving these foundational skills in youth may help reduce risky behaviors such as underage drinking or drug misuse. It can also prevent mental health disorders like depression or anxiety while lowering negative outcomes including school dropout or unemployment rates. The department notes that these efforts contribute toward better academic performance and future workplace success.
In addition to serving parents and caregivers statewide—from mountain regions to plains—the site is also positioned as a resource for professionals such as teachers, physicians, and home-visiting nurses.
This update reflects DPHHS’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible supports that promote healthier communities through integrated programs across Montana. The department works alongside local organizations to advance public health initiatives; it manages essential services including healthcare coverage through Medicaid programs, food assistance efforts, child support initiatives,operates state-run facilities, enforces licensing standards for safety,and delivers care from specialized hospitals to veterans’ homes.
Residents interested in exploring the new layout or accessing expanded resources can visit ParentingMontana.org.
