The Houston Masonic Lodge is hosting a free child identification program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Houston Elementary School cafeteria.
The program started in Missouri in 2006 and since that date 180,215 kids have been involved.
There are five major components:
––Digital Photographs.
––Digital Fingerprints.
––Child Information and Emergency contacts.
––Dental bite impression.
––Two laminated ID cards.
Each child’s vital information and digital photographs and fingerprints are given to the parent or guardian on a mini-CD computer disk. The information on the disk is “Amber Alert” compatible. The dental bite wafer provides an impression of the biting surface, which (like fingerprints) is unique to each individual. The wafer also collects enough saliva to provide a DNA sample and a source scent for trained canine search and recovery teams.
The Masonic Children’s Foundation retains no information concerning participating children. The only information kept is a signed permission form.
The program is available for children of all ages, from newborn to college. Forms can be downloaded in advance online at mochip.org.
For more information, call event coordinator Bennie Cook at 417-260-2382.