See Us, Support Us Guiding Principles
See Us, Support Us (SUSU) is a national awareness raising initiative about and an affirming community for children and young adults affected by parental incarceration. SUSU is guided by the following principles which were co-created with those whose parents are involved in the criminal legal system and SUSU Partners.
The criminal legal system should balance accountability and healing, while averting or minimizing family separation.
Oppression and dehumanization of Black, Indigenous and people of color is perpetuated by the criminal legal system. Policies and practices must be examined and new approaches rooted in healing and restoration enacted to achieve just treatment, equitable possibilities, and liberation.
Young people’s needs should be considered throughout the duration of their parents’ involvement in the criminal legal system, from arrest to reentry.
Young people should be free of the stigma and stereotypes that limit their future prospects and well-being. They should have access to affirming, inclusive spaces that create a sense of belonging.
Persistent patterns of oppression, racism, trauma, and poverty may result in the incarceration of family members across generations. We refrain from speaking about “breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration” because this narrative does not acknowledge these persistent patterns and largely places blame on families.
Approach young people with empathy and compassion, not judgment and pity. Recognizing the emotional challenges they may be experiencing due to their parent’s incarceration shows our capacity for understanding and providing support.
Young people must have accessible and cost-free ways to maintain contact with their incarcerated parents. Contact visits, phone calls, packages, letters, email, and video conferencing, can promote young people’s well-being, and support active parenting and successful reentry.
Young people must be co-creators in developing programs, policies, and practices that affect them.
Young people thrive and succeed despite challenges when provided with support and opportunities.
Thank you to SUSU and youth with lived experiences for creating these!
www.susu-osborne.org/guiding-principles
1 in every 28 children in the United States has an incarcerated parent.*
In North Carolina, more than 18,000 children have a parent in prison. According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, an estimated 160,000 children in the state have experienced parental incarceration and the resulting consequences.
Our Children’s Place of Coastal Horizons Center is a statewide program committed to the well-being of these children through advocacy, education, and outreach.
In order to support children with an incarcerated parent and help them persevere through such a challenging experience, Sesame Workshop launched the Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration initiative. The bi-lingual (English/Spanish) resources include videos and a storybook for children to help support and comfort them, videos and guides for parents and caregivers to help them find the language to talk about incarceration with their children, and a resource for the incarcerated parent that highlights the importance of communication.
For more information, visit the Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration website or contact Our Children's Place.
A Bill of Rights for the Children of Incarcerated Parents
The San Francisco Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (SFCIPP) created this downloadable bill of rights. Click either link below to download your copy.
Coastal Horizons was honored to join Governor Josh Stein for the April 30th bill signing of legislation fully funding Medicaid, a critical step for the health and well-being of communities across our state. Lawmakers from both parties attended Thursday’s bill signing ceremony at the Executive Mansion, and Stein said the agreement showed that “when it really matters, state leaders of both parties can come together and do the work of the people.”
Our President & CEO, Margaret Weller-Stargell, shared powerful remarks highlighting the real-life impact of Medicaid, transforming lives, strengthening families, and supporting a healthier workforce.
At Coastal Horizons, we see every day how access to care changes lives. We are grateful to Governor Stein and the General Assembly for ensuring that millions of North Carolinians can continue to receive the care they need.
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As Child Abuse Prevention Month draws to a close, Our Children's Place says "Thank you!" to the caring and passionate folks at Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina who advocate for families, support professionals, educate the community, and imagine "what could be?" each and every day - this month and throughout the year!
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Our Children's Place is excited to be presenting to health care professionals today in Charlotte. Thank you for the invitation!
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