St. Joseph Masonic Lodge helping parents get their children identified 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A free Missouri Child Identification event at the East Hills Mall this weekend will give families a measure of protection against missing or abducted children. 

Girls and boys ages 11-21 are statistically most susceptible to becoming missing and the Missouri Child Identification Program (MOCHIP) is designed to help parents and local authorities quickly locate and identify children in case of an emergency. 

The MOCHIP program provides approximately 90 to 95% of the information required to issue an AMBER Alert. Families receive a comprehensive kit on a USB drive, which includes their child’s digital photographs, digital fingerprints, dental impressions, and more. 

“The only chip that's actually involved is a USB card that is going to contain all that pertinent information you'll need to give to law enforcement if your child goes missing,” said Tim Conard, with the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge. “Within about 30 to 45 minutes, it will be statewide on the Amber alert system. It's a very simple process to go through.” 

All data collected is erased and cleared from the laptops once the service is completed. Additionally, all DNA samples are consolidated and provided only to the child's guardians. 

“Getting this information all consolidated and put together is so vital because as your kids start to go to school and venture further from home, time is of the essence and every minute counts,” said Conard.  

Although this program is geared towards children, adults with certain metal illnesses such as dementia can also be processed.  

Families are encouraged to complete the MOCHIP process annually or every few years to ensure that all information remains current. 

To expedite the process on Saturday, April 19th, you may prefill your information in advance at mochip.org. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at East Hills, located next to the Easter Bunny.9th, you may prefill your information in advance at mochip.org. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at East Hills, located next to the Easter Bunny.