Information System for Child Protection Agencies: International Development Research Centre

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Information System for Child Protection Agencies

Document(s) 10 of 12

Introduction
Impact
Prerequisites
Potential users
Contact
Resources

Introduction

The problem of abandoned street children in the cities of Latin America is becoming more acute. Child protection agencies and other organizations workingwith children are overburdened. Uruguay's National Children's Institute (INAME - Insituto Nacional del Menor) cares for thousands of children each year. These children have often been abandoned, orphaned, or mistreated, while some are young offenders. They may require placement in a day-care facility or rehabilitation centre, or need a specialist, such as a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Scarce information resources and inaccurate records hinder child protection organizations from locating a child in care or being able to access useful information. Compounding the problem is a lack of listings of foster homes and available adoptive parent profiles.

With the help ofthe Inter-American Children's Institute (IACI) and IDRC, INAME is now using a computerized information system to keep track of the children and the services available to them. Statistics and records generated by the system help identify trends and problems, and improve services. Studies and research on children are also accessible. Based in Uruguay, the system manages information on more than 50 000 children and their families. As many as 1 000 institutions, such as day-care and rehabilitation centres, call INAME at a pre-arranged time to transmit information on children's whereabouts. The system has expanded to Ecuador and three states in Brazil. With the support of Spain, UNICEF, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), it has alsobeen introduced in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Known as SIPI (Sistema de Información para la Infancia), the system is based on Clipper and dBase III+ computer database programs. Manuals describe step-by-step procedures for data collection, validation and correction. The package includes a pilot database. When fully operational, SIPI can integrate some 300 variables (e.g. name, birth date, height, date of registration, reason for being in care, etc.). IACI promotes a training program on how to use the information in decision making for child protection.

The system was developed in consultation with child protection agencies in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Peru. As a result of this process, a more universal and independent product was possible. SIPI is available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English.

Impact

Growth in Uruguay - The SIPI child protection system has now been incorporated in 1 000 institutions in Uruguay, up from 150 in 1991.

Introduced in Ecuador and Brazil - The system has been introduced in Ecuador, after negotiations in 1994 with officials of the Ministry of Social Services. It has also been introduced in three Brazilian states.

More partners - A number of partners have become involved in supporting the system, including UNICEF, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Spanish government. This support has fostered further expansion of the system into Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Prerequisites

IBM or compatible microcomputer. The system works in a network environment.

Potential users

Child protection agencies and other organizations working with large numbers of children.

Contact

Julio Max Rosenblatt
IIN-IACI (Insituto Interamericano del Niño - Inter-American Children's Institute)
Casilla de Correo 16212
Montevideo (11600) URUGUAY
Tel: (5982) 47 -- 2150
Fax: (5982) 47 -- 3242
E-mail: piinfa@chasque.org.apc

Resources

UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund
UNICEF Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean
Apartado 7555
Santafe de Bogotá
D.C.
Tel: (57-1) 310-1339
Fax: (57-1) 310-1437/ (57-1) 312-0085
Web site: http://www.unicef.org

In the IDRC library:

Informe final / Proyecto SIPI/Ecuador. 1994. 1 v. (paginacion variada) : il. (Final report)
Location: ARCHIV 002:300-053.2(866) V 4 BIBLIO ISN: 99994

Informe / Proyecto de Evaluacion (SIPI). 1995.1 v. (paginacion variada) : il. (Final report)
Location: ARCHIV 002:300-053.2(866) I 5 V 4 BIBLIO ISN: 102324

Document(s) 10 of 12

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