GLENDALE : Child Fingerprinting to Be Offered Free
As many as 200 children are expected to be fingerprinted and photographed as part of a free program run by a local hospital on April 24.
“We provide a parent a record that is turned over to the authorities,” said Jeanette Abundis, director of emergency services at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Through the “Kidprint” program, police can use the pictures, fingerprints and other information the parent supplies to help find a child who is reported missing.
This is the fourth year the hospital has offered the service, which grew out of other public services the hospital had offered for families, Abundis said.
Organizers also plan to provide safety tips to parents. For example, parents can teach children a code word and tell them not to go off with anyone who doesn’t know it. Parents can also avoid letting children wear clothing that displays their names.
The photographs and fingerprints would be included in a record of the child that also lists distinguishing marks, nicknames, school, physical problems, playmates and relatives.
Fingerprinting can also be arranged at other times during the year. The April 24 program will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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