The Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights

SUSU honors the resiliency of children and families, while advocating for the adoption of the Children of Incarcerated Parents’ Bill of Rights, a roadmap for reform to safeguard children whose parents are involved in the criminal legal system. The Children of Incarcerated Parent’s Bill of Rights was created in 2005 by SFCIPP in partnership with young people and consists of 8 rights. Though not legally binding, these rights tell us what children want, need, and are claiming for themselves: the right to be considered, heard, cared for, accepted without judgment, and connected to their parents now and into the future.​

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• I have the right to be kept safe and informed at the time of my parent's arrest.

• I have the right to be heard when decisions are made about me.

• I have the right to be considered when decisions are made about my parent.

• I have the right to be well cared for in my parent's absence.

• I have the right to speak with, see and touch my parent.

• I have the right to support as I struggle with my parent's incarceration.

• I have the right not to be judged, blamed or labeled because of my parent's incarceration.

• I have the right to a lifelong relationship with my parent.