Alaska Department of Law discusses $4M request for child welfare lawsuit funding

In a recent meeting of the Alaska Legislature's Senate Finance Committee, significant discussions centered around the Department of Law's budget requests and ongoing litigation, particularly regarding the high-profile Jeremiah M. case. The meeting, held on February 18, 2025, featured Deputy Attorney General Corey Mills, who provided insights into the state's legal challenges and financial needs.

One of the primary topics was a supplemental budget request of $4 million related to the Jeremiah M. case, which involves a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit organization A Better Childhood on behalf of 14 children in the custody of Alaska's Office of Children's Services. This case seeks not monetary damages but rather systemic reforms in the state's child welfare system. Mills emphasized the potential long-term implications of settling such cases, noting that settlements often lead to court oversight, which can be costly and restrictive for state operations.

Mills explained that the trial, initially scheduled for May, has been postponed to August, necessitating additional funding to cover ongoing legal expenses, including extensive discovery costs that have already exceeded initial estimates. The request for supplemental funding aims to ensure the state can adequately prepare for trial and any subsequent appeals.

The meeting also addressed other judgments and settlements from the past year, highlighting four cases that resulted in financial obligations for the state. These included attorney's fees from various lawsuits, with notable amounts awarded in cases involving the Department of Labor and the Department of Natural Resources. Mills detailed a particularly complex case involving wrongful termination claims from an Office of Children's Services employee, which has resulted in a settlement amounting to approximately $2.6 million due to accrued interest over several years.

Senators expressed the need for greater transparency regarding the Department of Law's performance in handling civil cases. Mills assured the committee that her office would provide data on civil cases over the past five years, including settlements and judgments, to facilitate a better understanding of the department's effectiveness.

The discussions underscored the financial pressures facing the state as it navigates ongoing litigation and the implications of potential reforms in its child welfare system. As the trial approaches, the legislature will need to consider the broader impacts of these legal challenges on Alaska's budget and social services.