- All kindergarten students in Florida will receive Child ID kits, according to Attorney General Ashley Moody
- Child ID kits, per the state, make it simpler for parents to compile identifying information by allowing them to record their children’s physical traits, pictures, fingerprints, and DNA on identity cards
- The kits will be utilized by law enforcement agencies to assist in cases of missing children
- Approximately 250,000 kits will be provided to all Florida school districts for distribution, which will include public, private, and charter schools
Child ID kits will be given to all kindergarten students in Florida, according to a news conference attended by Attorney General Ashley Moody and National Child ID Program Executive Director Kenny Hansmire on Friday.
Child ID kits, per the state, make it simpler for parents to compile identifying information by allowing them to record their children’s physical traits, pictures, fingerprints, and DNA on identity cards that may be maintained at home by the parent or guardian in case of emergency.
The kits are commonly used by law enforcement agencies to assist in finding missing children.
“Child ID kits are a great, low-tech tool that helps parents record and safely store important identification information about their children. Parents keep total control of the kits and, should an emergency arise, they can quickly present it to law enforcement,” said Moody. “As a mother, I truly hope no parent ever needs to utilize the kit—but should a child go missing, it could prove vital in helping law enforcement and the public in their search.”
Approximately 250,000 kits will be provided to all Florida school districts for distribution, which is set to include public, private, and charter schools.
Over 25,000 complaints of missing children were made to Florida law enforcement agencies in 2021, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“There is no such thing as being overprepared when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of our children,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, who also attended the conference. “With a child going missing every 40 seconds in America, we must all be ready for worst-case scenarios. God willing, law enforcement will never need to see your Child ID Kit, but the National Child Identification Program allows families to be proactive with their at-home kit in case of an emergency.”
The initiative will be facilitated through the National Child Identification Program, a community service safety agency. by providing parents and guardians, with a tool they can use to help protect their children.
Since its inception in 1997, the National Child ID Program has distributed over 70 million kits throughout North America. The program has been recognized by Congress and works with federal, state, and local leaders to increase the safety of children in communities across the country.