Oklahoma Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents

We, the undersigned, are in support of the Oklahoma Legislature to pass a Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents.  We feel that the issues which affect these children and their families are numerous.  Children of incarcerated mothers and/or fathers have commited no crime, but they do pay a steep price.  They often face leaving their home, succumb to labeling, and have many institutions that lay claim over their parents-police, courts, jails and prisons, probation and parole-but they have no rights, explicit or implicit, within any of these jurisdictions.  The proposed Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents should be recognized in the State of Oklahoma.  Children will still often times face many obstacles; however, at tleast they would see that the society that had removed their parents took some responsibility for their care.  The Bill of Rigts for Children of Incarcerated Parents is as follows:
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.

In no way does this take away from the "Best Interest of the Child" but if we can show these children that we care it may make for a better life for them.