TriCounty Mothers Against Predators

Have you ever participating in one of those programs that give you an identification for your child with fingerprints and DNA samples?  When my children were smaller one of their schools sponsored such an event and for a small fee we got a picture ID with fingerprints.  Now-a-days you can get a preserved copy of your child’s DNA as well.   You might have seen a flyer from your child’s teacher earlier in the year announcing that they are giving away or for a small fee doing the child identification kits and even seen them at your local library or some other kids events but didn’t take advantage of the service.  NOW, is the time to do it and it will only take a few minutes of your time.  Whether you chose the free one offered below or pay for a kit on your own it is well worth the piece of mind knowing that you have that information should “God-forfid” the unthinkable happens.  Remember that just because you are taking these steps does not mean you are inviting something to happen!

We would also suggest that you make a couple of copies, one for you and one for each set of grandparents.  If you and your spouse are no longer together then make a copy for the other parent as well.  This is one thing that you should both agree on.  Of course, you want to update the information EVERY year.  Children do change in appearance each year so change out the picture and the basic description data.  You shouldn’t have to redo the fingerprints or the DNA sample as they never change.  Well, so long as your DNA sample is sealed it will last forever.  And if your child has injured his fingers producing a scar you might want to do the fingerprints over again.

If your organization wants to host one of these events the Florida Masonic Lodge has a Child ID program.  All you need to do is contact your area lodge representative with at least 3 weeks notice and they will assist you with materials and information.  Check out their website:  http://www.glflamason.org/masoniceducation/childid.html  and speak to their representative.  It is a program that is endorsed by law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Florida and is well worth the time and effort you and your organization put into it.

You can also go to your local Drivers License Office and get an official ID for your child as well.  You will need to bring in your ID, the child’s birth certificate, his/her social security card and sign an affidavit.  The cost use to be only $3 when the program first started in 2006 but because of the recent budget problems ALL Florida IDs are now $25.  You might want to check with your local sheriff’s office to see if they will be sponsoring any kids ID events in the future.  Or you can talk with your child’s teacher, your church leader or one of the many civic groups such as the Girl/Boy Scouts about sponsoring an event. 

Below are just 3 resources we found on the internet about these kits:

Free Do-It-Yourself Pages with instructions on how to do the fingerprints.  Just fill out the form, attach a photo and do the fingerprinting on the second page.

http://www.registeredoffenderslist.org/child-identification-kits.htm

Individual kits are sold to parents including fingerprinting and DNA samples.

http://www.childidprogram.com/the-id-kit

Now the Kits offered by McGruff are for organizations to buy such as churches, schools and other parenting groups because the minimum order is 250 kits:

http://www.mcgruff-safe-kids.com/businesses/mcgruff-safe-kids-id-kit.html