FL H0185

Establishes guiding principles for state agency personnel when interacting with children of incarcerated parents, including treating them with respect and dignity and prioritizing their safety and care.

Requires state agencies to keep children informed and safe at the time of parent's arrest and to consider children's wishes regarding decisions about their welfare and incarcerated parent.

Directs state agencies to facilitate communication between children and incarcerated parents when children choose and when appropriate, and to provide proper support during the parent's incarceration.

Prohibits state agencies from judging, blaming, or labeling children because of their parent's incarceration and encourages support for children's desire to maintain relationships with incarcerated parents when appropriate.

Clarifies that the bill does not obligate state agencies to provide new services or give children of incarcerated parents priority in service delivery beyond what is authorized by law; effective July 1, 2010.