How to Make a Child ID Kit

Whether a child wanders off at an amusement park or is missing by other means, a child identification kit is an important and useful tool for law enforcement officials to use when searching for a child. While every parent hopes it will never happen, being prepared means police officers, other investigators and organized search parties have access to the description they need to aid in their efforts. Assemble the kit in an afternoon and then keep it in a safe place in case of an emergency.

Things You'll Need

  • Fingerprint kit
  • Camera
  • Swab kit (or brown envelope)
  • Dental X-rays
  • Dental bite impressions (optional)
  • Small box

Instructions

    • 1

      Make an impression of your child's fingerprints. You can purchase a kit that includes the items you'll need or have her fingerprinted by a professional to ensure readable results. Fingerprints are an important component in the identification kit because they will stay the same throughout your child's life, whereas her physical appearance will change frequently as she grows.

    • 2

      Fill out a card with your child's physical description. In the description, include your child's name and any nicknames she answers to, as well as her date of birth. Write down your child's height, weight, eye, and hair color and the way she most commonly does her hair. Identify other features, such as whether she wears braces or glasses. Include detailed descriptions of birthmarks and scars. You can draw a body map and mark each of these identifying marks.

    • 3

      Take a photo of your child for the identification kit. Replace the photo with an updated one at least once every six months to keep the picture current. Try to capture the most natural photo possible -- how she looks on an average day. Avoid elaborate posing, intricate hairstyles or makeup. Ensure your child's full face is centered in the photo and the photo is captured and printed in full color. You can keep a copy in digital format to access it easily if something happens to the hard copy.

    • 4

      Take a small DNA sample from the inside of your child's cheek with a swab kit. Alternatively, obtain a sample of your child̵7;s DNA from another reliable source, such as one of her baby teeth, a used toothbrush -- allow it to dry thoroughly -- or a hairbrush only your child has used. Seal the item in a brown envelope, but have your child lick the seal to avoid contamination.

    • 5

      Include a copy of your child's dental X-rays and update these approximately every two years until she reaches 18 years of age. You can opt to have dental bite impressions made as well, and you should update these every time your child loses a tooth.

    • 6

      Place each of the child identification items in a box and store them together in a cool, dry place.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Prevent Common Childhood Injuries
      The leading cause of death in children is injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common childhood injuries include drowning, suffocation, falls, car accidents, poisoning and fire. As primary caregivers, parents play a cr
    • How to Have a Successful Parent Teacher Conference
      Parent-teacher conferences roll around twice per year in most school districts: one meeting at the beginning of the year and one closer to the end. These meetings give parents and teachers a chance to discuss the childs specific progress and areas th
    • Tools for Family Assessment
      Family assessment tools identify the strengths and protective qualities of the family unit and are used to evaluate the environment in which children live. While strengths relate to positive attributes such as displays of affection and financial stab