The area of children and the law can be the most challenging and troubling. We see this most recently in Alaska by watching the saga unfold of children harmed in the wake of incomplete protection by the Division of Family and Youth Services, which resulted in the recent requirements in this state for the licensing of social workers. Problems arise in family law sometimes because so many interests are at stake in figuring out what is best for children. Superior court judges ultimately have the power to make many decisions concerning Alaska's children. They face a difficult task due to the competing interests of those who control the next generation.
Parents have an interest in raising Alaska's youth.
In fact, normally parents have an interest that is greater than others. A court may give preference to parents before awarding custody to others. And when parents split up, a court is not to give preference to either parent when awarding custody, but to find out what is best for the child and make a decision accordingly. But parents are not the only folks who can assert their rights. Grandparent rights have been recognized and, in fact, other individuals can petition for visitation if they can show that it would be best for the child for the court to allow it.