Demetria H., Appellant v. State of Alaska, Department of Health & Social Services, Office of Children's Services…

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s order terminating Demetria H.’s parental rights to her Indian son, finding that the Office of Children’s Services made the active efforts required by the Indian Child Welfare Act, that the mother’s continued custody would likely cause serious emotional or physical harm, and that the expert testimony satisfied ICWA’s expert‑witness requirements. The Court held that the lower court’s findings were supported by the record and the applicable statutory and regulatory standards.