Two bills with the stated aim of supporting Alaska’s children were signed into law by Governor Bill Walker on Tuesday. One bill sets out to shorten the legal process related to adopting children in foster care, and the other stipulates new age requirements within the child welfare system for state custody and guardianship.
House Bill 200 is designed to streamline the adoption process for those who wish to adopt Alaska Native children, following the Supreme Court case on “baby girl Veronica.” The Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services says this bill shows the value Alaska has placed on “family and cultural connections for children in custody of the Office of Children’s Services.”
The Child Protection and Opportunity Act, also known as House Bill 27, changes the age required for a person to be released from state custody. It also mandates that the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) search for suitable guardians as long as a child in custody is under 21 years of age.
Governor Walker stated in a July 26th press release: “Every Alaska child deserves the best start in life… These bills represent measurable movement in that direction.”
