Opinion ID: 2570470
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Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Alaska Statute 47.10.088(a) allows for the termination of parental rights only for the purposes of freeing a child for adoption or other permanent placement.

Text: Alaska Statute 47.10.088(a) provides that a court may terminate parental rights for the purposes of freeing a child for adoption or other permanent placement. Here, it is unclear whether the superior court terminated A.B.'s parental rights for either of these purposes. While the superior court noted that S.B. has an interest in having a stable, permanent family arrangement, at the time of the termination proceedings DFYS was attempting to unite S.B. and her biological father, R.H. [22] At the time the parties submitted their appellate briefs, DFYS noted that S.B. had been placed in her father's care, but stated that DFYS still had custody over her. While the record indicates that DFYS had supervisory custody until January 1, 2000, the record does not indicate what happened after that date. In light of these facts, it is unclear whether DFYS was attempting to terminate A.B.'s parental rights for the purpose of freeing S.B. for adoption or other permanent placement. [23] It does not appear that S.B. was going to be placed with adoptive parents after the termination proceedings. [24] We therefore remand this case for a finding as to whether termination of A.B.'s parental rights is for the purpose of freeing S.B. for adoption or other permanent placement. If the superior court finds on remand that A.B.'s parental rights would not be terminated for the purpose of freeing S.B. for adoption or other permanent placement, the court should decline to terminate A.B.'s parental rights.