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

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of the father's CINA case as moot because the child's adoption could no longer be challenged after the statutory one-year period, leaving no possible route to regain custody even if the father prevailed. The court also rejected his procedural due process and ineffective-assistance claims, concluding that he had notice, an opportunity to be heard, appointed counsel in both proceedings, and had not shown constitutionally deficient performance by his CINA counsel.