In re ASK
Annotate this Case
The Supreme Court held that, in petitions for adoption and permanent placement, a family court is free to consider any admissible evidence that addresses the best interests of the individual, including evidence supporting some best interests factors listed in Haw. Rev. Stat. 571-46(b).
In 2018, the Department of Human Services (DHS) assumed temporary foster custody of two children under the Child Protective Act (CPA) and placement them with resource caregivers (RCGs). In 2020, Father stipulated to the termination of his parental rights. The children's aunt and uncle (Relatives) intervened in the CPA's permanent placement and adoption proceedings. DHS filed a petition on behalf of RCGs to adopt the children. Relatives responded by filing their own petition to adopt the children. The family court consolidated the dual adoption cases and found that adoption by the RCGs was in each child's best interest. The intermediate court of appeals affirmed. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that a family court does not necessarily err when it relies on HRS 571-46(b)'s mandatory custody and visitation factors to guide a best interest determination in adoption and placement proceedings.
Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.