2019 Alaska Statutes
Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations
Chapter 23. Adoption
Sec. 25.23.240. Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,

(1) “adult” means an individual who has reached the age of majority;

(2) “agency” means any person certified, licensed, or otherwise specially empowered by law or regulation to place minors for adoption;

(3) “child” means a son or daughter, whether by birth or by adoption;

(4) “commissioner” means the commissioner of health and social services;

(5) “court” means the superior court of this state, and, when the context requires, the court of another state empowered to grant petitions for adoption or guardianship or to terminate parental rights;

(6) “department” means the Department of Health and Social Services;

(7) “hard-to-place child” means a minor who is not likely to be adopted or to obtain a guardian by reason of physical or mental disability, emotional disturbance, recognized high risk of physical or mental disease, age, membership in a sibling group, racial or ethnic factors, or any combination of these conditions;

(8) “minor” means a person who has not reached the age of majority;

(9) “sexual abuse of a minor” means a sexual offense defined in AS 11.41.434, 11.41.436, 11.41.438, or 11.41.440;

(10) “sexual assault” means a sexual offense defined in AS 11.41.410 - 11.41.427;

(11) “stepparent” means the spouse of a natural parent of the child residing in the same household.