D ORIGINAL 01/23/2024

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA DA 23-0343

IN THE MATTER OF: S.F. and A.F., ORDER Youths in Need of Care. FLED JAN 2 3 2024 Bowen Greenwood Clerk of Supreme Court State of Montana

Counsel for the appellant father of S.F. and A.F. filed a motion and brief asking to be allowed to withdraw from this appeal on grounds that counsel has been unable to find any nonfrivolous issues to raise on appeal, pursuant to § 46-8-103(2), MCA, and Anders v. CalifOrnia, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S. Ct. 1396 (1967). The father responded to counsel's brief and objected to counsel's motion.

The Court has now independently examined the record pursuant to § 46-8-103(2), MCA, and Anders. We have considered the arguments raised by counsel and by the father in his response. We conclude there are no arguments with potential legal merit that could be raised in the father's appeal in this case.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that this appeal is DISMISSED.

The Clerk is directed to provide copies of this Order to all counsel of record and to the appellant father ally , DATED this CO day ofJanuary, 2024.

Chief Justice / el 2- 76 t e • tat m Iteit