The CPIMS+

The CPIMS+ Journey

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), Save the Children and UNICEF have been working together since 2005 as a Steering Committee to promote the use of a standard inter-agency child protection information management system (CPIMS) for the child protection sector.

The IA CPIMS was originally designed to facilitate family tracing and reunification (FTR) of children in emergencies. In 2009, it was re-designed to support any thematic area of child protection, including supporting child protection systems strengthening in non-emergency settings. In 2014, the development of a ‘next generation’ web-based CPIMS+/Primero kicked off, which brought online and offline capabilities, a mobile app, and other features.

The CPIMS+ facilitates effective case management for individual vulnerable children. It is designed to promote best practice and accountability, and to assist child protection programs in delivering quality care. The vision of the CPIMS Steering Committee is to promote and support the CPIMS+ database and tools for data collection, information sharing and data protection as part of child protection case management program strengthening.

Our team continues to grow. UNHCR, Terre des hommes (Lausanne), the Child Protection AoR and Plan International have all joined the CPIMS Steering Committee. More than 50 organizations are now using the CPIMS+. Onward and upward!

Features & Functionality

Designed with and developed by child protection case workers and social services providers, the CPIMS+ is a web-based case management solution that provides easy-to-use tools to help those who help children.

Case Management

The CPIMS+/Primero provides intuitive digital forms and clear workflows to assist with documenting case management processes, from identification and registration, to assessment, case planning, referrals and transfers, and case closure. The CPIMS+ represents an opportunity to strengthen case management with the use of information management technology reflecting SOPs, workflows and paper forms that partners are utilizing. The CPIMS+ is highly configurable so that it can be adapted to different types of programmes. The software is supports internationalization and is available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish and more!

Family tracing & reunification

The CPIMS+/Primero uses matching technology to pair tracing requests made by caregivers with records of children registered as separated or unaccompanied. This FTR functionality is configurable, meaning that matching criteria can be changed depending on the context. See a demo video of CPIMS+ v2 FTR functionality here.

CPIMS+ Online/Offline

Primero v2 is a progressive web application (PWA). There are many advantages to PWA, including progressive enhancements and greater security. However, for CPIMS+ users the most important benefits come from the ability for the app to be used offline. CPIMS+ v2 is great for case workers on-the-go. If a user's connection drops, their data remains safe and available. CPIMS+ v2 is also a responsive app, meaning that it renders to match the size of the screen so it can be used on any type of device - computer, tablet or phone - via the web browser. Check out the demo video.

Open Source Public Good

The CPIMS+/Primero is envisioned as a global public good, and has been developed according to the Principles for Digital Development. Primero is made available on GitHub under the GNU Affero GPL 3 license. We are working to build a vibrant community. Spread the word, subscribe to our blog, and check out our S upport Hub.

Take a Tour of the CPIMS+

We are constantly building and improving the CPIMS+ based on the feedback from our users. To review some of the existing features, click on the button below.

Get to know the CPIMS+

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The Next Generation

Child Protection Information Management System