Opinion ID: 2498669
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The transfer of placement

Text: Paula argues that as a foster parent she was entitled to notice of the children's transfer of placement from her care in July 2009. She argues that the children's placement with the Dubovs while she was in Montana was a temporary placement and that she was entitled to notice once OCS decided to make it permanent. [20] Additionally, she construes this placement decision as essentially a denial of placement, and therefore argues that she was entitled to know the basis for the removal and to request a hearing. OCS and the GAL concede that there was no notice, but argue that Paula was not entitled to notice because she initiated the transfer. Alaska Statute 47.10.080(s) provides that foster parents are entitled to notice of non-emergency transfers of children for whom they are caring, and AS 47.14.100(m) provides that grandparents are entitled to notice of the right to appeal an OCS decision not to place a child with them. Paula was the foster parent and a grandmother and thus would have been entitled to notice of a transfer under AS 47.10.080(s) and AS 47.14.100(m). But in this case, she did have notice because she requested the transfer herself. Although Paula disputes that she requested the transfer, the master found that Paula initiated the removal of the children, and Paula does not argue that the finding is clearly erroneous. Because Paula initiated the transfer, she had notice of the transfer. Paula also argues that she was entitled to notice when the State denied her request that the children be returned to her upon her return from Montana. The record is somewhat vague, however, as to whether Paula actually requested placement of the children with her before the fall of 2010. The record does demonstrate that Wikle was trying to work with Paula to take the steps necessary to remain in the children's lives; according to the master's findings, Paula did not cooperate with Wikle, did not reapply for a foster care license, and interfered with the children's placement with the Dubovs. Again, Paula does not challenge these findings.