Press Releases

Rep. Rosendale Slams Montana CFS for Taking Teen from Parents

Washington, January 31, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) came out against Montana Child and Family Services (CFS) after learning about a story where a Montanan family lost custody of their 14-year-old child after opposing her interest in changing genders.

“We were very clear to the emergency room staff as well as [CFS] that this goes against our values, morals and our religious beliefs,” said Krista Kolstad, mother of the 14-year-old child. “We were told that letting [her] transition and live as a boy was in her ‘therapeutic best interest’ and because we aren’t willing to follow that recommendation, the court gave CFS custody of [her] for six months.” “Parents have control over what happens to their children. Full stop,” said Rep. Rosendale. “CFS is out of line and their policies on childcare MUST be reevaluated if a mentally unwell teen is taken from their parents to fulfill their mentally unwell fantasies. If a loving family, like the Kolstads, does not want their child mutilated at an adolescent age, it is not the state’s responsibility to take the side of child and advocate for a life altering procedure.”