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;

Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 346-14.3

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
(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.

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