These standards are designed to provide guidance concerning high-quality legal representation for parents and children in dependent neglect (DN) cases.  They were created by a team of attorneys and judges statewide with extensive knowledge about representing parents and children, and they reflect existing national standards, rules of professional conduct, statutory requirements, and commentary from experienced practitioners across Montana.  Efforts have been made to note where laws, regulations, policies, and rules apply.  Practitioners are responsible for learning and understanding those laws, regulations, policies, and rules as they apply to these matters before accepting representation in a DN case.