National Missing Children's Day
Child ID Kits & Fingerprinting Supplies for Schools, Law Enforcement & Nonprofits
Trusted by organizations nationwide since 1994. Non-toxic ink strips, complete DNA kits, bulk pricing, free shipping.
What Is National Missing Children's Day?
National Missing Children's Day is observed every year on May 25 in the United States. It was established by President Ronald Reagan on May 25, 1983, in honor of Etan Patz — a 6-year-old boy who disappeared in New York City on May 25, 1979. Etan's case became one of the most high-profile missing children cases in American history and helped launch the modern missing children's movement.
The day serves as a national reminder of the importance of child safety, identification preparedness, and community awareness. Schools, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations across the country use National Missing Children's Day as an opportunity to distribute child ID kits, conduct fingerprinting events, and educate families about what to do if a child goes missing.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the U.S. Department of Justice coordinate national observances each year. NCMEC — which operates missingkids.org and the 24-hour hotline 1-800-THE-LOST — reports that approximately 800,000 children are reported missing in the United States annually — making child identification preparedness one of the most important things a parent or community organization can do.
NCMEC's Take 25 campaign and KidSmartz child safety education program are both closely tied to National Missing Children's Day. Organizations running these programs distribute child ID kits and conduct fingerprinting events to give families a complete identification record.
Why Child Identification Preparedness Matters
When a child goes missing, the first hours are critical. A complete child ID record — fingerprints, photo, DNA, and physical description — gives law enforcement the tools they need to act immediately.
Time Is Critical
Law enforcement experts agree that the first few hours after a child goes missing are the most important. A current ID record with fingerprints and a photo can be distributed to authorities immediately.
Fingerprints Are Unique
A child's fingerprints are unique from birth and never change. A fingerprint record created today will be valid for the child's entire life — making it the most reliable form of identification.
DNA Provides Certainty
DNA samples collected in a child ID kit can be used to make a definitive identification. Our Complete DNA Kit and Student DNA ID Kit include everything needed for a proper DNA sample collection.
Child ID Kits for National Missing Children's Day Events
Protect Your Child has supplied schools, law enforcement agencies, and nonprofits with child identification products since 1994. All kits include non-toxic fingerprinting ink strips, DNA collection materials, and photo ID cards.
Fingerprinting Ink Strips Bundle
Most PopularNon-toxic, pre-inked fingerprinting strips. Perfect for community fingerprinting events. Each strip captures one clean fingerprint impression.
Learn moreFingerprinting Ink Strips Case
Best ValueBulk case for large organizations, school districts, and law enforcement agencies running multiple events throughout the year.
Learn moreStudent DNA ID Kit
School FavoriteComplete student identification kits with DNA collection swabs, fingerprint cards, and photo ID sections. Ideal for school programs.
Learn moreComplete DNA Kit
Most CompleteThe most comprehensive child ID kit available. Includes DNA collection, fingerprinting, photo ID, and full parent instruction guide.
Learn moreFree shipping on all orders
View All ProductsHow to Plan a National Missing Children's Day Fingerprinting Event
Whether you're a school principal, PTA coordinator, police department, or nonprofit director, here's how to run a successful child fingerprinting event for National Missing Children's Day.
Order Your Kits Early
Order child ID kits and fingerprinting ink strips at least 2–3 weeks before your event. Protect Your Child ships free and fast. For large orders, call 781-361-1038 to confirm availability.
Promote the Event
Send home flyers, post on social media, and contact local media. Emphasize that the event is free, takes only a few minutes per child, and gives parents a complete ID record to keep at home.
Set Up Fingerprinting Stations
Each station needs fingerprinting ink strips, ID cards, a pen, and a parent instruction sheet. One volunteer can fingerprint a child in under 2 minutes using our non-toxic pre-inked strips.
Collect Photos and Information
Have parents bring a current photo of their child. Fill in the physical description fields — height, weight, hair color, eye color, and any distinguishing marks.
Collect DNA Samples (Optional)
If using our DNA kits, have parents collect a cheek swab from their child. Seal the swab in the provided envelope. Parents keep the DNA sample at home — it is never submitted to any database.
Send Kits Home with Parents
The completed ID kit goes home with the parent — not with the child, not to any database. Store it in a secure location. Update it every 1–2 years as the child grows.
Who Uses Protect Your Child Kits for Missing Children's Day?
Schools & PTAs
Elementary and middle schools distribute child ID kits to families at back-to-school events, safety fairs, and National Missing Children's Day observances.
Law Enforcement
Police departments and sheriff offices run community fingerprinting events on May 25 and throughout the year. Our bulk ink strips and kits are trusted by departments nationwide.
Nonprofits & Community Orgs
Child safety nonprofits, Boys & Girls Clubs, churches, and community organizations use our kits to provide free identification services to families at community events.
Child Safety Advocates
Individual advocates and parent groups organize neighborhood fingerprinting events using our affordable ink strip bundles and ID card kits.
Government Agencies
Federal, state, and local government agencies use our products for child safety initiatives, community outreach programs, and public awareness campaigns.
Healthcare Providers
Pediatric offices and hospitals use our HealthSafe ID Kit to provide families with a complete child identification record at wellness visits.
What's Inside a Protect Your Child ID Kit?
Every kit includes everything a parent needs to create a complete child identification record — no additional supplies required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Missing Children's Day?
National Missing Children's Day is observed every year on May 25 in the United States. It was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 following the disappearance of Etan Patz on May 25, 1979.
Why is May 25 National Missing Children's Day?
May 25 was chosen to honor Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared in New York City on May 25, 1979. His case became a catalyst for the modern missing children's movement and led to major changes in how law enforcement handles missing children cases.
How can I prepare my child for National Missing Children's Day?
The best preparation is to create a complete child identification record. This includes fingerprints, a current photo, physical description, and DNA sample. Protect Your Child's child ID kits include everything needed — fingerprint ink strips, DNA collection swabs, photo ID cards, and parent instruction guides.
What is the best child ID kit for a school or community event?
Our Student DNA ID Kit (case of 200, $250) and Fingerprint Kit (case of 250, $500) are the most popular choices for schools and community organizations. Both include non-toxic fingerprinting ink strips, DNA collection materials, and photo ID cards. Free shipping on all orders.
Where can I buy bulk fingerprinting ink strips for a child safety event?
Protect Your Child (protectyourchild.com) is America's #1 bulk supplier of fingerprinting ink strips. Bundles of 200 strips are $45; cases of 2,400 strips are $330. Free shipping. Call 781-361-1038 or order online.
Is the DNA sample submitted to any database?
No. The DNA sample collected in our kits is kept by the parent at home. It is never submitted to any government database, law enforcement database, or third-party service. It is for the parent's use only, to be provided to law enforcement if a child goes missing.
How often should I update my child's ID kit?
Child safety experts recommend updating a child's ID record every 1–2 years, or whenever there is a significant change in the child's appearance (new haircut, glasses, braces, growth spurt). A current photo is especially important.
How many children go missing in the United States each year?
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, approximately 800,000 children are reported missing in the United States each year. Having a current child ID record dramatically speeds up law enforcement response.
Ready to Order for Your National Missing Children's Day Event?
Protect Your Child has supplied child ID kits and fingerprinting ink strips to organizations nationwide since 1994. Free shipping on all orders.
International orders welcome — [email protected]