Governor Daniels, Colts Coach Caldwell and Walmart Partner to Protect Indiana Children

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The American Football Coaches Association and FBI’s National Child ID Program along with the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association have joined efforts with Governor Mitch Daniels, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell, and the Walmart Foundation to provide more than 162,000 child ID kits to students in the state of Indiana.

Due to a $150,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, kindergarten and first grade students throughout the state will receive an AFCA/FBI National Child ID kit through their schools this fall. The Child ID Kit is the only FBI approved DNA/fingerprinting kit of its kind and provides parents with a non-intrusive means of collecting their child’s identifiable information (including fingerprints, DNA, physical characteristics and picture) that can be recorded and stored at home. In the event of an emergency, the Child ID Kit can be provided by the parent to give law enforcement vital information and to assist their efforts to locate a missing child.

“There is no responsibility we take more seriously than protecting the safety of Hoosier children,” said Daniels.  “Though we hope these kits will never be needed, it is reassuring to know that families will be prepared if the worst should ever happen.” 

“It is due to the efforts of people like Coach Caldwell and Governor Daniels and partners like the Walmart Foundation that the National Child ID Program has been able to distribute more than 25 million kits nationwide since its inception. We are grateful for our partners and their heart and effort to protect Indiana’s children and children across the country,” said Kenny Hansmire, Executive Director of the AFCA/FBI National Child ID Program.

“As a member of the American Football Coaches Association, I am honored to be a part of such a meaningful program to protect our Nation’s children and even more excited to help bring this initiative to the children of the great state of Indiana,” Caldwell said. “It takes a team effort to achieve a victory and I’m grateful to the entire team of partners that helped make this project a success for our state.”

As an effort to raise awareness for this project as well as child safety in general, Governor Daniels will declare the month of November “Child Identification Month” in Indiana.  

Thanks to the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Programs, more than 1 million Child ID Kits will be distributed across the country this fall. Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina, and Florida join Indiana in this effort to protect our nation’s children.

“Walmart is proud to be a part of this great program to protect not only children in the State of Indiana, but in other states as well,” said Jason Wetzel, senior manager of public affairs for Walmart. “We are committed to addressing the needs of our local communities, and supporting initiatives which help our customers, their families and our associates live more safe and secure lives.”

Kindergarten students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Indianapolis were present at the event to receive the first child ID kits from Governor Daniels and Coach Caldwell.