The CIPA Network

Children of Incarcerated Parents in Africa (CIPA) is a network bringing together organisations, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and people with lived experience, who are committed to championing the rights and well-being of children with a parent, caregiver, or both parents incarcerated in Africa. 

Our mission is to strengthen collaboration, amplify African voices, generate and share evidence, promote effective practice, and advance the rights and wellbeing of children and families affected by incarceration across Africa.

CIPA is an independent network and is not affiliated with any political party or religion. We welcome members from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who share our mission and values.

Who Can Join

Membership is free of charge and is open to individuals and organisations whose work, interests or lived experience align with CIPA's mission and values. We welcome:

• Community-based organisations and NGOs

• Researchers and academic institutions

• Practitioners and service providers

• Advocates and policymakers

• People with lived experience

• Others committed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of children affected by parental incarceration

Membership applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with the mission, values and objectives of the network. CIPA reserves the right to review and withdraw membership where a member is no longer considered to be consistent with our mission and values.

Benefits of Membership

Members become part of a growing community working to create positive change for children affected by parental incarceration across Africa. Members can:

• Connect with peers across Africa and internationally

• Share knowledge, learning and best practice

• Access opportunities for funded projects

• Participate in events, webinars and learning activities

• Contribute to research and evidence generation

• Support advocacy and policy influence

• Showcase their work through CIPA platforms and networks

• Help strengthen a collective African voice for children affected by parental incarceration

Our Values

Child-Centred

We are committed to promoting social justice and place the rights, perspectives, and best interests of children affected by parental incarceration at the heart of our work, in line with the principles and provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Dignity

We uphold the inherent dignity and equal worth of every child, parent, caregiver, and family, and are committed to challenging stigma, discrimination, and exclusion.

Collaboration

We are committed to working together through partnership, shared learning, and collective action across communities, organisations, and countries. By supporting one another through challenges, we build collective strength, adaptability, and capacity to act.

Inclusion

We embrace multiple African perspectives for learning and growth, and recognise the importance of knowledge and expertise of those with lived experience of parental incarceration.

Integrity

Our words and actions align, and we act ethically, respectfully, and transparently in all that we do.

Member Commitments

By joining CIPA, members commit to:

• Supporting the mission and values of CIPA

• Engaging respectfully with other members and partners

• Contributing to a culture of collaboration and mutual learning

• Upholding appropriate safeguarding and ethical standards within their own work

• Promoting the dignity and rights of children and families affected by incarceration

• Respecting the confidentiality of sensitive information, discussions, and experiences shared through CIPA meetings, activities, and projects, to help foster a safe and supportive environment for learning, collaboration, and honest dialogue

• Using CIPA's name, branding, and membership status in accordance with CIPA's guidelines and in a manner consistent with the values and purpose of the network

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected movement for children affected by parental incarceration across Africa.