reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
AK Stat § 25.23.050 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.050. Persons as to whom consent and notice not required.

(a) Consent to adoption is not required of (1) for purposes of this section, a parent who has abandoned a child for a period of at least six months; (2) a parent of a child in the custody of another, if the parent for a period of at least one year has failed significantly without justifiable cause, including but not limited to indigency, (A) to communicate meaningfully with the child; or (B) to provide for the care and support of the child as required by law or judicial decree; (3) the father of a minor if the father's consent is not required by AS 25.23.040(a)(2); (4) a parent who has relinquished the right to consent under AS 25.23.180; (5) a parent whose parental rights have been terminated by order of the court under AS 25.23.180(c)(2) or AS 47.10.080(c)(3); (6) a parent judicially declared incompetent or mentally defective if the court dispenses with the parent's consent; (7) a parent of the person to be adopted, if the person is 18 or more years of age; (8) a guardian or custodian specified in AS 25.23.040(a)(3) or (4) who has failed to respond in writing to a request for consent for a period of 60 days or who, after examination of the guardian's or custodian's written reasons for withholding consent, is found by the court to be withholding consent unreasonably; or (9) the spouse of the person to be adopted, if the requirement of consent to the adoption is waived by the court by reason of prolonged unexplained absence, unavailability, incapacity, or circumstances constituting an unreasonable withholding of consent. (b) Except as provided in AS 25.23.100, notice of a hearing on a petition for adoption need not be given to a person whose consent is not required or to a person whose consent or relinquishment has been filed with the petition.
AK Stat § 25.23.060 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.060. Execution of consent; consent as power of attorney.

(a) The required consent to adoption shall be executed at any time after the birth of the child in the presence of the court or in the presence of a person authorized to take acknowledgments. The consent is not valid unless the consent form states that the person consenting to the adoption has the right to withdraw that consent as provided in AS 25.23.070(b), and unless the person consenting to the adoption acknowledges receipt of a copy of the consent form. The person giving consent shall state in the consent form whether the child is a member of an Indian tribe or the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe, so that the court may determine whether the provisions of 25 U.S.C. 1901 - 1963 (Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978) apply. (b) A consent that does not name or otherwise identify the adopting parent is valid if the consent is executed in the presence of the court or a person authorized to take acknowledgments and contains a statement by the person whose consent it is that the person consenting voluntarily executed the consent irrespective of disclosure of the name or other identification of the adopting parent. (c) A consent executed under this section is effective as a power of attorney under AS 13.26.066. Unless the consent form provides otherwise, and regardless of whether the form names or identifies the adoptive parent, the consent delegates to the adoptive parent all powers that may be delegated under AS 13.26.066. The power of attorney takes effect when the child is delivered to the adoptive parent, and remains in effect as long as the consent is in effect; but the power of attorney is not effective beyond one year, unless the court extends it for good cause. The power of attorney does not terminate on the death or disability of the person executing the consent, unless the consent form so states. This subsection may not be construed to alter the requirements of AS 47.70 (the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children).
AK Stat § 25.23.070 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.070. Withdrawal of consent.

(a) A consent to adoption may not be withdrawn after the entry of a decree of adoption. (b) A consent to adoption may be withdrawn before the entry of a decree of adoption, within 10 days after the consent is given, by delivering written notice to the person obtaining the consent, or after the 10-day period, if the court finds, after notice and opportunity to be heard is afforded to petitioner, the person seeking the withdrawal, and the agency placing the child for adoption, that the withdrawal is in the best interest of the person to be adopted and the court orders the withdrawal.
AK Stat § 25.23.080 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.080. Petition for adoption.

(a) The caption of a petition for adoption shall be styled substantially “In the Matter of the Adoption of ................”. The person to be adopted shall be designated in the caption under the name by which the person is to be known if the petition is granted. If the child is placed for adoption by an agency, any name by which the child was previously known may not be disclosed in the petition or in the decree of adoption. (b) A petition for adoption shall be signed and verified by the petitioner, filed with the clerk of the court, and state (1) the date and place of birth of the person to be adopted, if known; (2) the name to be used for the person to be adopted; (3) the date of placement of the minor and the name of the person placing the minor; (4) the full name, age, place, and duration of residence of the petitioner; (5) the marital status of the petitioner, including the date and place of marriage, if married; (6) that the petitioner has facilities and resources, including those available under a hard-to-place child subsidy agreement, suitable to provide for the nurture and care of the minor to be adopted, and that it is the desire of the petitioner to establish the relationship of parent and child with the person to be adopted; (7) a description and estimate of value of any property of the person to be adopted; and (8) the name of any person whose consent to the adoption is required, but who has not consented, and facts or circumstances that excuse the lack of the consent normally required to the adoption. (c) A certified copy of the birth certificate or verification of the birth record of the person to be adopted, if available, the information specified in AS 25.23.185(a), if available, and the required consents, relinquishments, and termination orders shall be filed with the clerk. (d) A petitioner petitioning to adopt a child in state custody under AS 47.10 shall file the petition for adoption in either the court where the child-in-need-of-aid proceedings are pending or the judicial district in which the petitioner resides, as required under AS 25.23.030(d) and AS 47.10.111.
AK Stat § 25.23.090 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.090. Report of petitioner's expenditures.

(a) Except as specified in (b) of this section, the petitioner in any proceeding for the adoption of a minor shall file, before the petition is heard, a full accounting report in a manner acceptable to the court of all disbursements of anything of value made or agreed to be made by or on behalf of the petitioner in connection with the adoption. The report must show any expenses incurred in connection with (1) the birth of the minor; (2) placement of the minor with petitioner; (3) medical or hospital care received by the mother or by the minor during the mother's prenatal care and confinement; and (4) services relating to the adoption or to the placement of the minor for adoption that were received by or on behalf of the petitioner, either natural parent of the minor, or any other person. (b) This section does not apply to an adoption by a stepparent whose spouse is a natural or adoptive parent of the child. (c) A report made under this section shall be signed and verified by the petitioner.
AK Stat § 25.23.110 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.110. Required residence of minor.

A final decree of adoption may not be issued until the minor to be adopted, other than a stepchild of the petitioner, has lived in the adoptive home and the department or any other qualified agency or person designated by the court has had an opportunity to observe or investigate the adoptive home. This observation or investigation is not required in proceedings where an investigation is not required under AS 25.23.100(g) and (i).
AK Stat § 25.23.120 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.120. Hearing.

(a) The presence of the petitioner and the person to be adopted is not required at the hearing on the petition unless ordered by the court. (b) The court may continue the hearing from time to time to permit further observation, investigation, or consideration of any facts or circumstances affecting the granting of the petition. (c) If at the conclusion of the hearing the court determines that the required consents have been obtained or excused and that the adoption is in the best interest of the person to be adopted, it may issue a final decree of adoption. (d) If the requirements for a decree under (c) of this section have not been met, the court shall dismiss the petition and determine, in the best interests of the minor, the person including the petitioner to have custody of the minor.
AK Stat § 25.23.125 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.125. Preference of minor to be adopted; guardian ad litem; protective orders.

(a) If the person to be adopted is a minor under the age of 10 and the person is of sufficient age and intelligence to state desires concerning the adoption, the court shall consider the person's desires. (b) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem or attorney, or both, under AS 25.24.310 for a minor who is to be adopted or for a minor whose parent is the subject of a petition to terminate parental rights under AS 25.23.180(c). (c) The court may issue a protective order or other order that is in the best interest of a minor who is to be adopted.
AK Stat § 25.23.127 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.127. Adult family member preference to adopt.

Taking into consideration a child's stated preference under AS 25.23.125(a) and consent given under AS 25.23.040(a)(5), and unless the court finds that a petition to adopt the child by an adult family member is contrary to the best interest of the child, the court shall grant a petition to adopt a child by an adult family member who has had physical custody of the child for at least 12 consecutive months before the parental rights to the child have been terminated. In this section, “adult family member” has the meaning given in AS 47.10.990.
AK Stat § 25.23.140 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.140. Appeal and validation of adoption decree.

(a) An appeal from any final order or decree rendered under this chapter may be taken in the manner and time provided for appeal from a judgment in a civil action. (b) Subject to the disposition of an appeal, upon the expiration of one year after an adoption decree is issued, the decree may not be questioned by any person including the petitioner, in any manner upon any ground, including fraud, misrepresentation, failure to give any required notice, or lack of jurisdiction of the parties or of the subject matter, unless, in the case of the adoption of a minor the petitioner has not taken custody of the minor, or, in the case of the adoption of an adult, the adult had no knowledge of the decree within the one-year period. (c) Subject to the disposition of an appeal, one year after a decree is issued terminating parental rights on grounds set out in AS 25.23.180(c)(2) , the order may not be challenged on any ground, including fraud, misrepresentation, failure to give notice, or lack of jurisdiction of the parties or of the subject matter.
AK Stat § 25.23.150 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.150. Confidential nature of hearings and records in adoption proceedings.

(a) All hearings held in proceedings under this chapter shall be held in closed court without admittance of any person other than essential officers of the court, the parties, their witnesses, counsel, persons who have not previously consented to the adoption but are required to consent, and representatives of the agencies present to perform their official duties. (b) The papers and records relating to an adoption or a termination of parental rights under AS 25.23.180(c)(2) that are a part of the permanent record of a court are subject to inspection only upon consent of the court. The papers and records relating to an adoption or a termination of parental rights under AS 25.23.180(c)(2) on file with the department, an agency, or an individual are subject to inspection only with consent of all interested persons or by order of a court for good cause shown. Except as provided in this section, adoption records of the Bureau of Vital Statistics are subject to inspection under the provisions of AS 18.50. (c) Except as otherwise provided by law, or as authorized in writing by the adopted child, if 14 or more years of age, or by the adoptive parent, or upon order of the court for good cause shown, a person may not disclose the identity or address of an adoptive parent, an adopted child, a child who is the subject of a proceeding under AS 25.23.180(c)(2), or a biological parent whose parental rights have been terminated on grounds set out in AS 25.23.180(c)(2). (d) The court may order the disclosure of a natural parent's identity or address only if (1) the court makes an express finding that the disclosure is required because of a medical necessity or other extraordinary circumstance; and (2) the natural parent unless the parent's parental rights have been terminated on grounds set out in AS 25.23.180(c)(2), the child, and the adoptive parents are afforded proper notice and a hearing; the court may waive the hearing and notice requirement if it finds there is a medical necessity that poses an immediate risk to life.
AK Stat § 25.23.160 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.160. Recognition of foreign decree affecting adoption.

A decree of court terminating the relationship of parent and child or establishing the relationship by adoption issued under due process of law by a court of any other jurisdiction within or outside of the United States shall be recognized in this state and the rights and obligations of the parties as to matters within the jurisdiction of this state shall be determined as though the decree were issued by a court of this state.
AK Stat § 25.23.170 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.170. Applications for birth certificates.

Within 30 days after an adoption decree becomes final, the clerk of the court shall, if requested by the adoptive parents, prepare an application for a birth certificate in the name of the adopted person. Upon issuing a decree terminating parental rights on grounds set out in AS 25.23.180(c)(2) the court may order the preparation of an application for a birth certificate in the name of the child without reference to the parent whose parental rights have been terminated. The clerk of the court shall forward the application (1) for a person born in the United States, to the appropriate vital statistics office of the place, if known, where the adopted person was born and a copy of the decree to the department for statistical purposes; and (2) for a person born outside the United States to the state registrar of vital statistics.
AK Stat § 25.23.173 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.173. Indian child adoption reports.

After entering a final decree or order in an Indian child adoptive placement, the court shall send to the Secretary of the Interior a copy of the decree or order and other information required by 25 U.S.C. 1951 (sec. 301(a) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978).
AK Stat § 25.23.175 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.175. Findings concerning persons born outside the United States.

In the case of the adoption of a person born outside the United States, if requested by the adoptive parents, the court shall make findings, based on evidence from the petitioner and other reliable state or federal sources, on the date and place of birth and parentage of the adopted person. The findings shall be certified by the court and included with the report of adoption filed with the state registrar of vital statistics under AS 18.50.210.
AK Stat § 25.23.185 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.185. Records and information.

(a) At the time a petition for adoption is filed with the court, the agency or individual placing the person for adoption, or the petitioner, shall file with the court, for release to the state registrar of vital statistics, the following information, or an explanation of its unavailability, on forms provided by the department: (1) the address of each parent named on the original birth certificate; and (2) background information required under AS 18.50.510. (b) Upon entry of a decree of adoption, the clerk of the court shall transmit to the Bureau of Vital Statistics the information provided under (a) of this section. The bureau shall attach the information to the original birth certificate of the adopted person. (c) A child adoption agency licensed under former AS 47.35 and a child placement agency licensed under AS 47.32 shall maintain records of the information required to be furnished to the court under this section or under regulations of the commissioner implementing this section. If a child adoption agency or child placement agency ceases to place persons for adoption, it shall transfer its records to the commissioner.
AK Stat § 25.23.190 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.190. Subsidy for hard-to-place child.

A hard-to-place child in the permanent custody of the department in a foster home for not less than one year may not be denied the opportunity for a permanent home if the achievement of this depends on continued subsidy by the state.
AK Stat § 25.23.200 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.200. Investigation of home for subsidized hard-to-place child.

Persons who are caring for a hard-to-place child on a foster parent basis and who have applied to adopt the hard-to-place child and to receive payments for the care and support of the hard-to-place child shall be evaluated as to their suitability as adoptive parents by means of an adoptive home study. Persons who are caring for a hard-to-place child in the state's custody and who wish to be appointed legal guardians of the child under AS 13.26.132, and to receive payments for the care and support of the child, shall be evaluated as to their suitability as guardians by means of a guardianship study. A home study or guardianship study shall be made by the commissioner's adoption staff or on the commissioner's behalf by an authorized agency or individual that provides adoption services.
AK Stat § 25.23.210 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.210. Amount and duration of subsidy payments.

(a) The department may adopt regulations to set the amount and length of time that a subsidy for a hard-to-place child may be granted. (b) A subsidy granted by the department under this section may be (1) paid for a specified length of time not to extend after the child's 18th birthday; and (2) a deferred subsidy; in this paragraph, “deferred subsidy” means that no monetary reimbursement is paid to a family but other benefits are paid for the child. (c) A subsidy granted under this section may not (1) exceed the existing rate for foster care; or (2) be changed without the written request or consent of the person caring for the child. (d) The department shall review whether the amount of a subsidy granted for a child is appropriate on request of the person caring for the child. (e) Subsidies shall be paid from the same public funds and in the same manner as foster care payments.
AK Stat § 25.23.230 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.230. Regulations.

The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement the provisions of AS 25.23.185 - 25.23.240.
AK Stat § 25.23.240 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 23. Adoption|Sec. 25.23.240. Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, (1) “adult” means an individual who has reached the age of majority; (2) “agency” means any person certified, licensed, or otherwise specially empowered by law or regulation to place minors for adoption; (3) “child” means a son or daughter, whether by birth or by adoption; (4) “commissioner” means the commissioner of health and social services; (5) “court” means the superior court of this state, and, when the context requires, the court of another state empowered to grant petitions for adoption or guardianship or to terminate parental rights; (6) “department” means the Department of Health and Social Services; (7) “hard-to-place child” means a minor who is not likely to be adopted or to obtain a guardian by reason of physical or mental disability, emotional disturbance, recognized high risk of physical or mental disease, age, membership in a sibling group, racial or ethnic factors, or any combination of these conditions; (8) “minor” means a person who has not reached the age of majority; (9) “sexual abuse of a minor” means a sexual offense defined in AS 11.41.434, 11.41.436, 11.41.438, or 11.41.440; (10) “sexual assault” means a sexual offense defined in AS 11.41.410 - 11.41.427; (11) “stepparent” means the spouse of a natural parent of the child residing in the same household.
AK Stat § 25.27.010 (2021)
2021 Alaska Statutes|Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations|Chapter 27. Child Support Services Agency|Sec. 25.27.010. Creation of child support services agency.

There is created in the Department of Revenue the child support services agency.