In the Interest of M.M.L.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Holmes, C.J.:

The natural father of M.M.L., a minor, appeals in a child in need of care case from an order of the district court placing M.M.L. in long-term foster care. He argues the best interests of the child standard in K.S.A. 38-1563(d) violates his constitutional right to custody of his child absent a finding of unfitness. The case was transferred to the Supreme Court pursuant to K.S.A. 20-3017.

In compliance with the intent of Supreme Court Rule 7.043 (1994 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 42), the natural father will be referred to as appellant or Michael and…