Most likely, the following precautionary measures will never prove necessary. But just in case your child might disappear:

• Keep and update regularly a complete written description of your child. Include date of birth, color of hair and eyes, height, weight, unique physical attributes and any other significant identifiers (braces, pierced ears, eyeglasses).
• Take color photographs of your child every six months. Photographs should be of high quality and in focus so the child is easily recognizable. Head and shoulder portraits from different angles, such as those taken by school photographers, are preferable.
• Make sure the dentist updates your child's dental charts each time an examination or dental work is performed.
• Know where your child's medical records are located. Medical records, particularly X-rays, can be invaluable in helping to identify a recovered child. It is important to have all permanent scars, birthmarks, blemishes and broken bones recorded.
• Arrange with your local police department to have your child fingerprinted. In order for fingerprints to be useful in identifying a person, they must be taken properly. Your police department has trained personnel to assist you. The police department will give you the fingerprint card and will NOT keep a record of the child's prints.