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Haw. Rev. Stat. § 346-14.3

Guiding principles to be used by state agencies when dealing with children of incarcerated parents

L Sp 2008, c 7, §2

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;

(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.

Official source: Hawaii State Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Hawaii statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.