Child ID FAQS
About Our Club
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT CHILD SAFETY?
According to sources, nearly a million children are reported lost, missing, or separated from their parents each year. You can be prepared to provide law enforcement officials with vital information about your child by participating in the Child and Alzheimer ID Program.
It was this same realization that led Robert King of St. Petersburg, Florida to make the first IDENT-A-KID® card in 1986 after a close friend of Mr. King had lost her son while shopping at the mall. She said that she just "turned away for a second and he was gone". In the moments that followed she was unable to describe her son to authorities because near-hysteria had rendered her speechless. Fortunately, her son was found a few stores away seemingly unaware of what his mother had just been through.
In far too many cases, Law Enforcement Agencies are thwarted in their efforts to locate lost and missing children by the lack of current and accurate descriptions, fingerprints and high quality photographs. Throughout America officials concur; The possession of a complete profile is the best assurance of a quick, safe recovery of a lost or missing child.
WHAT IS A CHILD ID CARD?
The driver's license-sized card contains a complete physical description of the child including a professional, full-color photograph and a fingerprint using a special inkless touchpad meeting national standards. The Parent/Guardian address is listed to aid in the return of the card should the parent misplace it. The back side of the card contains important information about "WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS MISSING". The entire card is heat-seal laminated in heavy plastic for a permanent record. It is designed for Parents, Guardians, Relatives or Baby-sitters to carry at all times. As the child grows and physical descriptions change, it is advised to update the card annually.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Child and Alzheimer ID Program is offered equally to all parents of pre-school and elementary school children as well as families dealing with Alzheimers patients. Schools are a natural vehicle to promote Child Safety Programs and the low cost of the card is made possible only by being able to reach as many parents as possible in one location. The program is offered at no cost or obligation to the participating school or its Parent Organization. It's simply an option for the individual parent. Grand Prairie Metro Rotary Program Directors administer all of the paperwork and I.D. Card production with a minimum of interruption to classroom.
HOW IS THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED?
IT'S EASY! It starts with the Principal or PTA/PTO just picking a date on the calendar for the Child ID Program Day and the Program Director takes care of everything else. A supply of take-home material is provided to each teacher to distribute to the children. Those parents wishing to participate have their child return the envelope with the appropriate amount. On the designated Program Day an Child ID technician will bring the participating children to the assigned area for pictures and fingerprints.
IS THIS A FUNDRAISER?
No. Grand Prairie Metro Rotary is dedicated to help ensure the safety of children and Alzheimers patients. Therefore we are offering this service free of charge.
WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
There are no copies of any information or pictures kept.
IS THE CARD INFORMATION KEPT ON FILE?
NO! The information is strictly for the Parent's use. Law Enforcement Agencies only keep files on active missing child cases.
IS THIS CARD FOR CHILDREN TO CARRY?
The parent/guardian or baby-sitter should carry the card in their purse or wallet to quickly provide Law Enforcement with an accurate description should the child become missing. Parents may consider allowing older or more mature children to carry a card on their person.
HOW CAN PARENTS LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
That's easy! Simply call the Grand Prairie Metro Rotary and ask about the Child ID Program. A program cordinator who will work with the school Principal or PTA/PTO to set up a Program Date will be happy to talk to you and give you all of the necessary information.