Wilkerson v. State, Department of Health & Social Services, Division of Family & Youth Services

OPINION

EASTAUGH, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

A state regulation automatically denies a foster care license to any applicant charged with a “serious offense” within the last ten years, whether or not the charge resulted in a conviction. The Alaska Division of Family and Youth Services denied William Wilkerson’s application because he had been charged with serious offenses. We hold that the regulation does not violate Wilkerson’s rights of equal protection or due process because it is an efficient means of eliminating applicants who pose a potential risk to foster children; the state’s compelling…