Criminality and incarceration is an intergenerational issue, and we can work together to break the intergenerational links. When a parent is arrested, children whose chaotic lives may already have left them with little sense of control often feel even more alienated from the events that swirl around them.

NCSL is a member of the San Francisco Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership. SFCIPP has produced the following "Bill of Rights" for the children of incarcerated parents:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practical steps to implement this "Bill of Rights" and meet these children's needs may be found in this brochure: Please click here to download more information about the Bill of Rights for the children of incarcerated parents. (This is a pdf file, 668 k in size. If you need to, click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

While their parents have business at the Hall of Justice, kids keep busy with art projects.    Photo by Robin Weiner/The Chronicle