Kiva O. v. State, Dept. of Health & Social Services, Office of Children's Services

OPINION

MAASSEN, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

An Indian child in the custody of the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The child’s psychiatrist recommended treating him with an antidepressant, with the addition of a mood stabilizer if it later became necessary. When the mother rejected the recommendation, OCS asked the superior court for authority to consent to the medications over the mother’s objection. The court granted OCS’s request.

The mother appeals, arguing that the superior court failed to apply the correct standard for…