Masons prepare child recovery kits at area schools

Sally Barber | Cadillac News Volunteer for the Michigan Child Identification Program Gary Nostrant takes a DNA swab from Ethan Crisp for inclusion in a child recovery kit. In addition to the DNA sample, the free kits include a color photo, fingerprint records, dental impressions, a voice print and child interview.

More than 1,000 area children were fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed this week in a child identification initiative sponsored by Michigan Masons.

“You can't be too careful,” said Brandi Crisp, parent of a 5-year-old.

Crisp brought her kindergartner to the child identification clinic at Tustin Elementary Wednesday. Pine River schools hosted clinics Wednesday and Thursday while Lake City conducted clinics earlier in the week.

“The program (MICHIP) was developed in 1986 and we picked it up last year,” said Mark Vardakis, state director for the comprehensive child recovery initiative. “We're now more technologically advanced than the 13 other states using it because we're doing it on CD. They're still doing it on videos.”

MICHIP is recognized by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as one of the most complete child recovery and identification programs in the nation. It generates an identifying package using modern technology. Kits remain in the parent's possession and include a color photograph, fingerprints, taped interviews, dental impressions and saliva swabs for DNA matches.

Data is recorded on a CD which allows information to be disseminated quickly in an emergency,

“You can get it across the world in seconds,” Vardakis said.

Mother of a 4-year-old, Heather Hutter said having the kit gives her a greater sense of security.

“I think it's a good thing, definitely,” she said. “Especially with the CD and the voice recording.”

The videotaped interview, which captures appearance, speech, mannerisms and other characteristics of a child, is considered the cornerstone of the MICHIP kit because of the ease in which the information can be distributed.

“You hope you're never going to need it,” said Kay Gill, Lake City Upper Elementary principal. “But if you're in a situation where you need it, I think it is priceless.”

Community response to Lake City's clinic was significant. A total of 584 children participated in the free two-day program. Another 600 children were expected to participate in the Pine River area. To date, MICHIP has produced kits for more than 15,000 Michigan children and their parents.

sbarber@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)