About See Us, Support Us
See Us, Support Us (SUSU) raises awareness about and increases support for children experiencing the incarceration of a parent, highlighting young people’s voices, strengths and needs. It is a space where young people can tap into resources and encouragement—you are not alone!
SUSU is coordinated by the Osborne Association’s NY Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents and led by the SUSU Youth Team and SUSU partners, which include people who have experienced parental incarceration, organizations serving children of incarcerated parents, and allies.
October is See Us, Support Us Month
A Month of Advocacy Dedicated to Supporting and Seeing Children of Incarcerated Parents
Every October, we take a deep dive into a topic identified by the SUSU Youth Team and SUSU Partners. Throughout the month, we share resources and tips for young people, families, and providers. We amplify actions people across the country can take to support children of incarcerated parents and advocate for systems change to ensure children are considered and their needs are met. Information is shared through SUSU newsletters, social media, the SUSU website, and events.
SUSU Month Themes
2026: Ensuring children have access to their incarcerated parents.
2025: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Children of Incarcerated Parents' Bill of Rights
2024: Ending Stigma
2023: Focus on a parent’s reentry, which can be joyous and challenging for children.
2022: Supporting children’s physical health and emotional wellbeing.
2020 and 2021: Supporting children’s educational success and wellbeing.
2018 and 2019: Child-friendly visiting practices.
2017: Supporting young children (birth to 8 years old) of incarcerated parents.
2016: Seeing and supporting children of incarcerated parents in NYC’s child welfare system.
2015: SUSU begins!
Why We Began SUSU in 2015
Bringing Visibility to the 1 in 15 Children Who Experience Parental Incarceration
Despite the fact that one in 14 children experience parental incarceration, many remain unseen. Invisibility, stigma, and inaccurate stereotypes isolate and harm children and hinders service providers, educators, and communities from supporting children. SUSU aims to raise awareness, build community for young people, share resources, and celebrate children who thrive and succeed when we SEE and SUPPORT them.
Our approach is informed by our SUSU Guiding Principles which were co-created by those whose parents are involved in the criminal legal system and SUSU Partners. Collectively, we advocate to turn the Children of Incarcerated Parents’ Bill of Rights into reality.
