Each year, more than 800,000 children under the age of 18 are reported missing in the United States, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports.
And while many children make it home safe, many others do not.
According to NCMEC, a current, good quality photo is the single most effective tool in locating a missing child.
To help parents collect necessary information about their child in case of the unthinkable, the Missouri Masonic Children’s Foundation and the Richland and Waynesville Masonic Lodges took an opportunity to have a Missouri Child Identification Program (MoCHIP) at the St. Robert Community Center on June 20.
A total of 156 children were processed at the event, providing parents with CD of their child’s photo, fingerprints, information and emergency contacts. Parents were also able to have ID cards made for the child and a dental bite impression. The impression, besides providing a replica of the child’s biting surface of the teeth, also collects enough saliva to provide a DNA sample and source of a scent for trained canine search and recovery teams.
The program was provided at no cost thanks to the many sponsors who participated.
For more information on how one can protect their child, visit www.missing kids.org.
St. Robert, Mo. —
