Sponsor Statement for HB 371

"An Act relating to parents' appearing at juvenile proceedings with their children."

Alaska children, who are in the custody of the State of Alaska, have lingered in custody for years because their parents do not show up for court hearings. This happens both when the court is trying to arrange for training and support services that will lead to family reunification and when there is probable cause to proceed with the termination of parental rights. In the typical situation, a hearing is convened and the birth parent(s) do not show. The hearing is continued while the overworked case worker try to find the parents.

The case worker then adds locating these parents to a long "to do" list and continues to investigate other crimes against children and to rescue kids from abuse and neglect. Meanwhile, the child from the first case continues to languish in a group or foster home.

HB 371 gives the court the option of issuing a warrant to compel the missing parent to appear in court. This should play a significant part in expediting the process of getting the child into permanent placement within 12 months.