[§346-14.3]  Guiding principles to be used
by state agencies when dealing with 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]