FL S0404

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

Finds that approximately 73,000 children in Florida have an incarcerated parent and face risks including unstable living arrangements, financial hardship, poor academic achievement, substance abuse, and delinquency.

Requires state agencies to consider children's wishes regarding their welfare and decisions about their incarcerated parent, and to provide support during struggles with parental incarceration when appropriate.

Specifies that children should have opportunities to communicate with and visit incarcerated parents if they choose and should not be judged or blamed because of a parent's incarceration.

Clarifies that the bill does not obligate state agencies to provide services or give priority to children of incarcerated parents beyond what is authorized by law.