[Archived] Alexandria Police to Host Free Child Identification Event

 On Saturday, April 6, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Alexandria Police Department, in partnership with the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and the Center for Alexandria’s Children, Inc., will host a SafeAssured Child Identification event for City residents. The event will be held at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, located at 25 West Reed Avenue. SafeAssured Child Identification kits are being provided for free to families with children 16 and younger. The kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.

SafeAssured ID provides families with all the vital information needed by law enforcement and the media to immediately broadcast information unique to a missing child. Parents receive a completed, ready-to-use ID kit for their child. The free kit contains a privacy-protected mini-CD, which acts as a single storehouse of personal identification information essential to locating a missing child. Families also receive a photo data card and a Parents' Guidebook with prevention tips, written in conjunction with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. For more information, visit http://www.safeassured-id.com/.

Last year, 49,619 children in the State of Virginia were reported as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect. Of these children, 6,116 were found to be victims of child abuse and/or neglect. Thirty children in Virginia died from injuries attributable to abuse and/or neglect, and 26 of these children were age 4 or younger. Parents can take immediate steps now to keep their child safe from abuse and protected all year long.

In community events leading up to Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, police officers, deputies, social workers, and community volunteers will be providing ID kits as well as important child safety information and resources for parents and families. Professionals will be on hand to assist families, providing them with simple safety tips and conversation starters to help parents and caregivers initiate important conversations with their children, conversations that can impact your child for a lifetime.

 For more information, contact the Alexandria Volunteer Office at 703.746.1909.