Guiding principles for state agencies helping children of incarcerated parents

The guiding principles to be used by the state agencies when dealing with children of incarcerated parents shall be as follows: (1) Children should be treated with respect and dignity at all times; (2) The children's safety and care should be of paramount importance to all involved; (3) If the children so choose, communication avenues should be made available such that the children should have opportunities to see, speak to, or visit parents, where appropriate; (4) State support for the children should be provided as resources permit; (5) The children should be kept safe and informed at the time of the parent's arrest; (6) The children's wishes should be taken into consideration regarding any decisions made concerning their welfare; (7) The children's wishes should be taken into consideration when decisions are made about their incarcerated parent; (8) Children should be well cared for in the absence of an incarcerated parent; (9) Children should receive proper support during any struggles with the parent's incarceration; (10) Children should not be judged, blamed, or labeled because of a parent's incarceration; and (11) Children should receive support for the desire to retain a relationship with an incarcerated parent, where appropriate. [L Sp 2008, c 7, §2]