Virginia is partnering with the National Child ID program to provide ID kits for families to keep on hand in case a child goes missing.
“As Attorney General, my biggest priority is keeping our children safe. That’s why I’m thrilled to join Virginia Tech legend Frank Beamer and launch the Virginia Child ID Program. The National Child ID Program is a free, easy, and effective tool to help Virginia parents prepare for the unimaginable,” Miyares said in the Thursday announcement.
Miyares and Beamer announced the partnership before the West Virginia University vs. Virginia Tech football game. Football coaches created the National Child ID program 25 years ago in response to the death of Amber Hagerman, namesake of the Amber Alert.
“As a father and grandfather, I cannot imagine anything more important than protecting children. Attorney General Miyares and the National Child ID Program have taken significant steps to make Virginia’s children safer with this program,” Beamer said.
The kits will be provided to Virginia students in grades six through eight.
“Each year, over half a million children go missing. In Virginia, 2,500 children have been reported missing and 400 are actively missing. Unfortunately, 25 percent of all human trafficking cases include a child and minority populations are three times more likely to go missing or be abducted,” Miyares release states.
National Child ID Program Executive Director Kenny Hansmire said in the release, “I am humbled by General Miyares’ dedication to protect the children of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is taking steps to ensure safety in his state and protect children from the grave threat of human trafficking. I am honored to partner with him on the launch of the National Child ID Program in Virginia.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. This article originally appeared in The Virginia Star. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of The Republican Standard. Republished with permission.