Jennifer L., Appellant v. State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, Office of Children's Services…

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court affirmed the superior court's temporary custody order and held that the public‑interest exception permits review of the otherwise moot appeal. It ruled that a standing master’s recommendation to return children to their home is not effective until a superior court judge approves it, and therefore masters lack authority to order returns without judicial review. The Court treated the appeal as a petition for review despite the lack of a final judgment and referred the procedural delay issue to the CINA Rules Committee.