Doe v. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

W. JONES, Justice.

I. Nature of the Case

A biological father challenges a magistrate judge’s order “nonestablishing” his parental rights. On appeal, he contends that he was entitled to an evidentiary hearing at which to prove that he was a “parent” as defined by I.C. § 16-2002(11).

II.Factual and Procedural Background

Doe is the biological father of a baby boy (“Son”). Doe was in prison when Son was born. Son’s mother (“Mother”) was living with another man (“Boyfriend”), and Son was given Boyfriend’s surname. In April of 2011, Son was placed in the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and…