[§346-14.3]  Guiding principles to be usedby state agencies when dealing with children of incarcerated parents.  Theguiding principles to be used by the state agencies when dealing with childrenof incarcerated parents shall be as follows:

(1)  Children should be treated with respect anddignity at all times;

(2)  The children's safety and care should be ofparamount importance to all involved;

(3)  If the children so choose, communication avenuesshould be made available such that the children should have opportunities tosee, speak to, or visit parents, where appropriate;

(4)  State support for the children should be providedas resources permit;

(5)  The children should be kept safe and informed atthe time of the parent's arrest;

(6)  The children's wishes should be taken intoconsideration regarding any decisions made concerning their welfare;

(7)  The children's wishes should be taken intoconsideration when decisions are made about their incarcerated parent;

(8)  Children should be well cared for in the absenceof an incarcerated parent;

(9)  Children should receive proper support during anystruggles with the parent's incarceration;

(10)  Children should not be judged, blamed, or labeledbecause of a parent's incarceration; and

(11)  Children should receive support for the desire toretain a relationship with an incarcerated parent, where appropriate. [L Sp2008, c 7, §2]