About MAP's Child Identification Program


MAP's Child Identification Program was developed to assist parents in starting an identification file on their child. This need is due to the alarming fact that thousands of children are reported missing each year. While most children are found, many are not. MAP's Child Identification Program provides parents and guardians the means to get important identification information to emergency responders when dealing with emergencies.

Who participates in MAP's Child Identification Programs?

Although the majority of MAP's Child Identification Programs are provided to elementary schools; this program is not limited to schools. Other organizations requesting MAP's state-wide Child Identification Program include; Police Departments, Home School Organizations, Non-Profit Groups, Restaurants, Child Safety Fairs, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, PTA's, Daycares, and Preschools, just to name a few.

Who keeps the Child Identification documents?
Fingerprint cards are for the parents to keep at home. Families participating in MAP's Child ID program will be handed their child's fingerprints immediately after their child has been fingerprinted. MAP does not keep or copy any identification information. (In a school setting, the Child ID Card - fingerprint card - will go home with the student on the day of the fingerprinting.) Simply put, MAP does not have, nor will they keep any information on your child.

MAP suggests parents keep the fingerprint card in a safe-accessible place (where their important papers are kept) and update the photo as well as the personal data as needed.


What Does It Cost?
The Child Identification program is provided free of charge. This free program was established to assist parents in establishing a permanent record of their child that can be shared with law enforcement when dealing with emergencies.

Key components of MAP's Child ID Program

Your child's fingerprints will be taken in the traditional manner, using special ink pads purchased from the police equipment store. The ink is made just for fingerprinting and washes off with soap and water. MAP's Child Identification Card - Fingerprint Card, which will be given to the parent, includes a place for your child's photo and fingerprints. MAP's staff will put your child's fingerprints on the card, the rest is for you to complete at your convenience. Space is provided to add other information, such as height, eye color, weight, and special characteristics. Parents receive the original Child ID Card and no one else will have a copy. Parents will want to provide accurate, up-to-date information when they maintain their child's identification card. MAP will suggest parents keep the ID Card in a safe-accessible place, so it is readily available in the event an emergency.

Who Pays For This?
Generous contributions allow MAP to provide the Child Identification Program free of charge.

How can I Host a Child ID Event
Schools and businesses interested in hosting one of MAP's Child ID Programs may request a program by completing the MAP Child ID Program Request Form. Please submit your completed request form to MAP's Child ID Program Office via fax (248-304-8810), or mail (27704 Franklin Rd., Southfield, MI 48034). Please include the following when submitting your request.

1. Requested fingerprint date (please include a first and second choice
    date or preferred month/day of the week)
2. Time
3. Location (with crossroads/landmarks)
4. Approximate number of children to be fingerprinted
5. Contact name and telephone number, and
6. Email address (optional)

Police Departments may also request MAP's Child ID Program. Departments may choose to staff their own Child ID Program and use MAP's supplies, or request MAP's assistance with a Child ID Program.

Please note: Although MAP staff will make every attempt possible to satisfy a Child ID request, these programs are scheduled on a 'first come/first serve' basis and are subject to availability.

If you would like additional information about MAP's Child Identification Program you may contact MAP's Program Office at (248) 304-8800 (Toll Free 800-368-1159).

Thank You to MAP's Child ID Sponsors ~ Parents love MAP's
Child ID Program!!
Parents love MAP's Child ID Program. In fact, it's a program that parents are often looking for. The following are some comments that parents have made to MAP staff during a Child ID Program.

"Thanks for a wonderful Program!"

"This program is great."

"I've been looking for a program like this."

"Thank the person that organized this program."

"Whoever decided to put this program on had a wonderful idea."

"This is a great idea…"

"This is such a great service."

"Will you be in our area again?"

"Do you have any information I could give to my child's school?"

"I'm so glad you are offering this service, I've wanted to get my child printed for some time."