How to Fingerprint Kids for Safety

Fingerprints are a physical feature that will not change over time, unlike hair color, build, facial features or age, according to Permanent Impressions, a California community service organization made up of current and former law enforcement officials. Having your child's fingerprints on file in a safe location might help in the event of abduction or as a positive ID method if he runs away or goes missing for some other reason.

Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the local school board to inquire if there are any planned child ID events in the near future. Often, fingerprinting companies partner with schools to create instant fingerprint and photo identification cards at a small cost to each family.

    • 2

      Call the local police department to inquire about any child ID kits or events that the department offers. The local police department might also direct you to local private companies that offer child ID kits.

    • 3

      Choose a child ID product that does not store any of your child's information in a database. With digital fingerprint scans or photos, information that is stored in a database is at the risk of hacking and security breaches, putting her information in the wrong hands, according to Permanent Impressions.

    • 4

      Pick up a fingerprint kit at a local safety or community event. The McGruff Crime Dog, the mascot endorsed by the National Crime Prevention Council, ID Kit allows you to capture your child̵7;s fingerprints at home if a digital fingerprint option is not available.

    • 5

      Order a child ID kit online; these kits typically have a space for a recent photo of the child, an area to note her distinguishing characteristics, a DNA cheek swab and a fingerprint kit. Keep the cheek swab in a safe location and follow the kit instructions to produce accurate fingerprint results.

    • 6

      Keep a copy of your child's fingerprints at home in a safe and secure location and one copy with you at all times in your purse or car. If he was to go missing, providing this vital information as soon as possible might help in his recovery, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Family Survival Guide.

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