The guiding principles to be used by the state agencies when dealing with children of incarcerated parents shall be as follows:

1. (1) Children should be treated with respect and dignity at all times;
2. (2) The children's safety and care should be of paramount importance to all involved;
3. (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. (4) State support for the children should be provided as resources permit;
5. (5) The children should be kept safe and informed at the time of the parent's arrest;
6. (6) The children's wishes should be taken into consideration regarding any decisions made concerning their welfare;
7. (7) The children's wishes should be taken into consideration when decisions are made about their incarcerated parent;
8. (8) Children should be well cared for in the absence of an incarcerated parent;
9. (9) Children should receive proper support during any struggles with the parent's incarceration;
10. (10) Children should not be judged, blamed, or labeled because of a parent's incarceration; and
11. (11) Children should receive support for the desire to retain a relationship with an incarcerated parent, where appropriate.

[L Sp 2008, c 7, §2]