Governor Proclaims See Us Support Us Week 2023

WHEREAS, children of incarcerated parents grow up, attend school, contribute to their hometowns, and participate in groups in every community in North Carolina and across the country; and

WHEREAS, an estimated one out of fourteen children in North Carolina have at least one parent in prison or jail; and

WHEREAS, children of incarcerated parents may face mental, emotional, and social obstacles as a result of their parents' separation and the stigma associated with incarceration; and

WHEREAS, these children frequently endure educational interruptions, such as transferring schools repeatedly or underperforming academically, due to the stress and uncertainty caused by their parent’s incarceration; and

WHEREAS, See Us Support Us is a national organization that raises awareness about and increases support for children of incarcerated parents; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is dedicated to fostering a society in which the children of incarcerated and returning parents are supported rather than stigmatized;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 23 – 27, 2023, as “SEE US SUPPORT US WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.