Child ID kits: Myths and Facts 

Check your knowledge In today's fast-paced world, with information-sharing at an all-time high, parents and communities are inundated with messages about the best ways to keep kids and teens safe. News media can often sensationalize and misrepresent the realities of child abduction. Do you know what's true and what's a myth?

 

Myth: Child ID kits can save children from abduction, especially those that contain fingerprints or DNA.

Fact: Child ID kits are not a prevention tool in abduction cases. Although it is helpful to have a current photo, height, weight, distingushing marks, DNA and fingerprints on file in the rare circumstance that they are needed, these things alone do not protect children against harm. Parents talking to children about unsafe or harmful situations can help save children from abduction.

 

Myth: Most abductions and sexual offenses are committed by convicted sex offenders or complete strangers.

Fact: Most victimized children know their perpetrators. While it is true that some crimes against children are perpetrated by strangers or known offenders, focusing safety and prevention education on those incidences detracts from other people in the child's life, who are statistically more likely to offend. Children should be taught that no one has the right to hurt them, make them feel confused or uncomfortable, or touch them in areas covered by their bathing suit. This should be made clear that anyone can hurt a child whether the child knows the person a lot or not at all and that it is ok to tell a safe adult if this happens.

Myth: Once parents have a child ID kit completed, they do not need to update it. Fact: The most important tool in missing persons investigations is a recent photo. DNA doesn't change over time, but a child's appearance, including their height and weight, does. Make sure that you have recent photos and details of physical characteristics for all family members, including adults.

Myth: Abductions are on the rise.

Fact: According to the NISMART II study commissioned by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 2000, abductions declined over the past decade.

So, are child ID kits beneficial?

Having a recent photo and updated description of physical characteristics can be very useful in the recovery of missing persons. In addition, having an ID kit can help placate the overwhelming fear that is sometimes stimulated by media sensationalization of rare, horrific cases of crime. However, it is important to remember that general safety education that emphasizes respect and preparedness (instead of fear) is the best way to protect children.

Click here for a printable personal ID kit published by JWRC