Updated: 01/07/2009

Introduction

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that, on average, more than 2,000 children are reported missing every day across the nation. The problem of missing children is complex and multifaceted. There are different types of missing children including: family abductions; endangered runaways; non-family abductions; and lost, injured, or otherwise missing children. This complex and serious problem requires innovative solutions.

There are over 30 agencies in the United States and Canada working together to provide victim assistance and education. These agencies are increasingly turning to technology to help them in their efforts. From fingerprinting to digital photographs to the creation of a national clearinghouse, more options are now available to assist in the location of missing children.

The Children's Identification and Location Database (The Child Project) is a nationwide network and registry that utilizes iris recognition biometric technology to quickly and positively identify missing children.

Iris recognition is based on the most mathematically unique biometric - the iris of the eye. The human iris is absolutely unique, even between twins or an individual's right and left eyes. The iris itself is stable throughout a person's life (approximately from the age of one). The physical characteristics of the iris do not change with age. Iris recognition biometric technology positively determines the identity of an individual by capturing a high-resolution digital photograph of the individual's iris. The unique features contained in the iris are compared against a database and the identity of the individual is determined. The technology is non-intrusive - the individual does not need to touch anything to use the system. Iris recognition technology does not use lasers, strong lights or any kind of harmful beams. As a result, it is the safest and easiest method to capture a unique biometric feature.

The Child Project™ has established the nation’s only central database by providing easy-to-use iris recognition cameras to law enforcement and social service agencies throughout the country. The system provides 24/7 web-based access to all participating law enforcement agencies through a secure network connection and strict security.

The Child Project™ complements and enhances fingerprinting and photo identification programs now in place across the nation. The Child Project™  significantly improves these programs by capturing and storing a unique numeric identifier based on a digital photograph of the individual's iris, along with pertinent demographic information. The iris recognition equipment is very portable and simple to use, making it ideal for use at remote locations such as fairs and special events.