It is a program adopted by the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of California to provide a significant community service to the many communities in California. All too often, we see or hear of a story of a lost, runaway or apparently abducted child. Between June, 1984 and September, 1992, there were 29,514 nationally reported cases, and the numbers are increasing. This program is designed to facilitate the safe recovery of these youngsters by the authorities.

This program uses a computer with a digital camera and electronic fingerprint scanner to capture a photograph and the thumbprints of a child, which are then processed and printed from a laser jet printer. None of the information is saved on the computer. The process takes between one (1) to two (2) minutes. A 8 1/2 X 11 Child ID Profile, including the picture and thumbprints, provides a form for the parent to complete about the biographical data of the child. Thus, if the child is lost or abducted, the vital information has already been prepared for the immediate use of law enforcement and the media. The faster such information is available, the more likely the child can be retrieved. A preprinted document provides Child Safety Tips for the children and the parents along with instructions on what to do if a child is missing. This information is on the back of the Child ID Profile. It behooves the parents to use this free service often.