Native Village of Saint Michael v. State of Alaska, Department of Family & Community Services, Office of Children's…

Summary

The court held that the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children does not apply when the Office of Children’s Services properly releases a child from state custody to a parent under AS 47.14.100(p), even if the parent plans to take the child to another state. Although the appeal was otherwise moot, the court reviewed the compact issue under the public interest exception because it was likely to recur and evade review. The court affirmed the superior court’s dismissal of the case.