See Us, Support Us #Words Matter

NYCIP E-News:
See Us, Support Us #Words Matter

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Dear Initiative Partner,

I have the right not to be judged, blamed, or labeled because of my parent’s incarceration. –Children of Incarcerated Parents’ Bill of Rights, Right #7

“He’s not a ‘convict’. He’s an incarcerated individual. He’s also my father.” —Kharon, Filmmaker and son of an incarcerated father

“It’s easy for us to disassociate ourselves with people who are incarcerated but the reality is that they’re our sisters, mothers, fathers, friends, and they’re still a part of our society.” –Diamond, daughter of an incarcerated parent

Consider how a child feels when their mom or dad is referred to as a “criminal” or an “ex-con.” To lessen the stigma children face, we ask you to use language that recognizes the humanity of people who are incarcerated—using the terms “parents” and “people” who are incarcerated, rather than “inmate,” “offender” and “criminal.” Words matter and can signal to families that you are a supportive person who respects the relationship between children and their parents, even in the context of incarceration.

Please see below to learn more about the importance of using humanizing language.

Recommended Tweet for the week: Think how a child feels when their parent is called a "criminal." To children they are "mom" and "dad,” first. #WordsMatter #SeeUsSupportUs

Thank you for taking the See Us, Support Us pledge!

The Osborne Association and the New York Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents

HUMANIZING LANGUAGE RESOURCES

#Words Matter Resource for Using Humanizing Language
Think of how a child might feel when their parent is called a “criminal.” Join us in using thoughtful language when speaking of and with people with criminal justice involvement and their families. Encourage others to do the same by sharing this resource on social media and using the hashtag #WordsMatter.

We Are People: Resources for Humanizing Language
For many years, the Osborne Association has joined with fellow criminal justice organizations to promote the use of humanizing, neutral, person-first language for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Find resources and more in this blog.

Creating Safe Spaces for Children of Incarcerated Parents and their Families
Learn tips about creating safe spaces for children and families by reading the Creating Safe Spaces fact sheet and visiting the Resource Toolbox on the See Us, Support Us pledge page.

How a prison term becomes a debt to society that cannot be repaid
Ruth Hopkins, Wits Justice Project/Sylvester Stein Fellow reflects on the role that words play in reducing stigma and barriers for people involved with the criminal justice system.

The Osborne Association established the New York Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents in 2006, following the creation of the Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights in San Francisco. The NY Initiative is a statewide partnership of individuals, public agencies, and community and faith-based organizations dedicated to making and supporting policies and practices that meet the needs and respect the rights of children and youth whose parents are involved in the criminal justice system.
Thank you for your support of the New York Initiative and your ongoing commitment to children and families!

We envision a world in which children whose parents are involved in the criminal justice system are considered — and their needs safeguarded —
at every step of the criminal justice process.

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