CHILD IDENTIFICATION (ID) KIT

Child ID kits won't prevent a missing child, but will help find him in case he does go missing.

Two types of child ID should be made and kept. The first is a complete record file that is kept at home. The second is a wallet-sized ID card. Both should include emergency contact information and be updated annually.

Home ID Record File

The home ID record file should have the following information and items, and be updated annually:

• Personal information. Full names, nicknames, street address, social security number, birthdate, gender, mother and father's names and their phone numbers.
• Medical information. Medications, blood type, chronic allergies/illnesses.
• Physical characteristics. Eye color, hair color, height, weight, identifying marks (birthmarks, scars, etc.), eyeglasses, contacts, braces on teeth, braces on legs, prosthetic limbs, etc.
• Photograph. Recent head and shoulders shot and full body. Include date taken and child's age in picture.
• Video. Videos gives authorities a view of the child in a variety of angles. Consider storing digitally, not on tape.
• Fingerprints. Professionally taken fingerprints is highly preferred, as at least 10 of the ridges and valleys of the pattern on each fingerprint needs to be clear. Home-taken fingerprints can be made with fingerprint ink strips or pads.
• Dental chart. Your dentist should provide the most recent dental chart.
• DNA sample. DNA sample kits are available. If you can't get one, store 10 strands of hair (roots and follicles intact) in a zip lock bag and store in the freezer. Take a cheek swab sample with a Q-tip (at least one half hour after the child has eaten). Swab the inside of the cheek for at least 10 seconds and store the Q-tip in a second zip lock bag and store in the freezer.

Keep the child home identification kit in a safe place that is easily retrieved, such as a filing cabinet or home safe.

Child ID Card

The ID card is a wallet-sized laminated card carried by the parent in his/her wallet at all times. Key information about the child should be given to authorities when reporting a lost or missing child. Don't rely on just the home kit, as you will lose valuable time by going home to retrieve it.

The ID card contains personal and medical information, physical characteristics, a photograph, and thumbprint. The card should be updated annually. Laminate the card so that it does not become smudged, bent, or tattered.

ID cards should be carried not only by parents and guardians, but also given to caregivers such as babysitters, grandparents, and friends of the family when they are watching the child.

The ID card should also be carried by the child himself, as it would contain emergency telephone numbers he may need when in trouble. He can provide it to law enforcement or medical personnel.

Child ID cards can be obtained from child identification and security companies, non-profits and agencies, and do-it-yourself kits.

Using Technology for ID Kits

Digital ID kits are available, where you can input and store information on a card-sized CD to carry with you. If the situatio ever arises, information can be e-mailed and posters and flyers can be printed.

Expensive fingerprint hardware/software systems can be purchased to capture digital fingerprints.

Other ID Tags and Labels

Shoe ID tags, available as adhesive labels (applied to the footbed), velcro bands (attached through shoelaces), and metal slide-on tags (laced through shoelaces), can be useful. If a child needs help, he can simply give the shoe to a police officer or other authority figure. If he gets abducted, he can remove one shoe and leave it behind, giving police clues about his last location.

Nylon and velcro ID wristbands contains a hidden pocket and waterproof ID cards. They are available in a variety of colors, including one with a medical symbol for children with a medical condition.

Custom ID jewelry such as ID bracelets, necklaces, tags, and and wristbands are commonly available.

Iron ID labels are problematic as it's impractical to keep current labels on all articles of clothing.

Consider child car seat medical ID kits in case of an accident where. They provides emergency personnel with immediate medical information for fast treatment of your child.

Conclusion

ID home record files and cards are essential if your child is lost or missing. Give updated and readily available records to law enforcement and other agencies aiding in the search. While child ID won't prevent a missing child, they act as insurance - invaluable to have after the fact.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Books Self-defense books for parents, guardians, and children. Includes recommended books.
• Videos Self-defense DVDs and videos appropriate for both children and parents. Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home.
• Training Live children's self-defense training from qualified instructors allows more personalized training, technique correction, and practice.
• Information Additional websites that provide self-defense and personal protection information related to child abuse, abduction, bullying, and Internet safety.
• More Articles Read more self-defense articles on protecting children from our library.