|
Keep records of your child
Child Find fingerprints thousands of children across Canada each year. Children,
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian are fingerprinted or footprinted (depending on
age) by police-trained volunteers. Parents/guardians receive the prints in a booklet
entitled All About Me ID, which is a detailed, descriptive questionnaire for
parents/guardians to complete about their child. Parents/guardians should keep this
document in a safe place, as no duplicate records are kept by Child Find.
Why should I fingerprint or footprint my child?
Having your child fingerprinted does NOT ensure that they will always be safe from
abduction. However, if your child does go missing, fingerprints or footprints can help in
the identification once he or she is found.
Why are fingerprints a good method of identification?
Fingerprints are a good method because no two fingerprints are identical, nor do
fingerprints change as one gets older.
Why are footprints taken?
Footprints of infants are taken because fingerprints are not well defined in an
infant.
Why are palm prints taken?
If the child is under two years of age, it may be very difficult to get a complete set of
legible fingerprints. Therefore, we sometimes recommend that the child be palm printed.
When the child is older and more co-operative, fingerprints can then be taken.
How useful are fingerprints? Are they really necessary?
Most agencies that handle missing children, agree that fingerprints, as well as full
descriptions of the child's appearance and personality, can be quite helpful.
Fingerprints are a valuable means of identification where photographs and descriptions
fail. If a child is missing for a long time, appearances may change and photographs
become outdated. In addition, when police are given the fingerprint records, they can
avoid calling parents to identify each child that matches their child's description and
thereby spare the parents much anguish.
Where should the fingerprint record be kept?
The only copy of the fingerprints is given to the parents/guardian. Child Find does not
keep any of the information on file. They should be kept in a safe place that will not be
forgotten. They are not given to the police unless the child has gone missing.
How often should a child be fingerprinted?
Although fingerprints never change throughout life, it is useful to repeat fingerprinting
which has been done on a child under the age of seven. Once a child reaches this age
prints become better defined.
Besides fingerprints, what other information should I keep?
- A recent, close up photo. Child Find recommends that children of school age be
photographed annually, pre-schoolers every 3 or 4 months
- Medical Records, including drug allergies or medications which may be needed.
- Record of height, weight, scars, birthmarks etc
- Copies of custody papers, passports and birth certificates.
- Description of your child's habits, favourite things etc.
|
