Hamza B. v. Department of Family & Community Services, Office of Children's Services

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court affirmed termination of the father's parental rights, holding that OCS made reasonable efforts toward reunification when its efforts were considered in their entirety. Any shortcomings in addressing the father's mental health did not defeat that finding because he declined services, disappeared, and was later incarcerated; OCS also reasonably accommodated any language barrier through text communication and other efforts. The father identified no instance in which the absence of an interpreter prevented effective communication with OCS.