Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights
In 2005, SFCIPP launched the Rights to Realities Initiative, with the long-term goal of ensuring that every
child in San Francisco whose parent is arrested and/or incarcerated is guaranteed the rights that follow. Our
current work plan involves assessing the current status of each right in San Francisco, and the availability of
model practices from around the nation; identifying which agencies might contribute to addressing each right;
and working with those agencies to develop responsive policies and practices. Our overarching aim is to ensure
that every decision about criminal justice policy and practice takes into account the needs and hopes of children.
Project WHAT! was born out of these rights.
We do our work to education teachers, service providers, and policy makers about the bill of rights.
I have the right to
be kept safe and informed at the time of my parent's arrest.
I have the right to
be well cared for in my parent's absence.
I have the right not to be
judged, blamed or labeled because my parent is incarcerated.
I have the right to
be heard when decisions are made about me.
I have the right to
speak with, see and touch my parent.
I have the right to
a lifelong relationship with my parent.
I have the right to
be considered when decisions are made about my parent.
I have the right to
support as I face my parent's incarceration.