Recognizes the significant impact on the lives and well-being of children and families when a parent is incarcerated. It is the intent of the legislature to support children and families, and maintain familial connections when appropriate, during the period a parent is incarcerated.

Finds that there must be a greater emphasis placed on identifying state policies and programs impacting children with incarcerated parents. Additionally, greater effort must be made to ensure that the policies and programs of the state are supportive of the children, and meet their needs during the time the parent is incarcerated.

Finds that, according to the final report of the children of incarcerated parents oversight committee, helping offenders build durable family relationships may reduce the likelihood that their children will go to prison later in life. Additionally, the report indicates that offenders who reconnect with their families in sustaining ways are less likely to reoffend.

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of enhancing programs and services for the children and families of inmates incarcerated in department of corrections facilities.

Appropriates the sum of seven hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of enhancing programs and services for the children and families of inmates incarcerated in department of corrections facilities.