About Us

Children of Imprisoned Parents International (COIPI) was founded in August 2015, although the concept behind it was formed 13 years earlier when its founder, Hamed Farmand, whose mother was a political prisoner when he was a child, began thinking about ways to protect children from the burden of having an incarcerated parent. Hamed founded COIPI in an effort to understand the negative effects of parental absence on children; to help minimize those negative effects; and directly help children adjust to the unavoidable negative effects.

There are more similarities than differences in what children around the world experience due to parental absence. We believe that stories can be shared and used by people around the globe. We also believe that new research on the impact of parental absence on children can improve our knowledge. 

Our Vision:

COIPI adopts a rights-based approach and envisions the optimal development of children with incarcerated parents to create a future free from psychosocial, economic, and behavioral adversities.

Our Mission:

• We are dedicated to addressing the psychosocial, economic, and behavioral challenges commonly faced by children with incarcerated parents and their families.
• We advocate for the rights and well-being of children with incarcerated parents, their families, and the broader societal issues linked to this circumstance.
• We are committed to providing education and training for families, professionals, and the public to support children with incarcerated parents and their families.
• We design and implement targeted initiatives and tailored interventions to enhance the overall well-being of children with incarcerated parents and their families.
• We foster positive environments where children with incarcerated parents and their families can thrive without encountering any form of violence.

• We put children and their rights at the core of all we do.
• We do not view these children as victims.
• We serve these children, no matter where they live or were born, and no matter why their parents are incarcerated.
• We partner with other non-profits and individuals to share knowledge, experience, and expertise.

COIPI is a non-profit organization. All services are free. All donations to COIPI are used to support its services and development. COIPI accepts cash donations as well as services from individuals and organizations.

COIPI is an independent organization that believes human rights include children’s rights.

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Our Team: