The CHild Identification Program (CHIP) addresses the alarming fact that over 1,000,000 children are reported missing in the United States each year. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, on average in the United States, a child is reported missing every 43 seconds. In 2005, over 2,000 children were reported missing in Nebraska. While most are found, many are not. Also, the abduction of children is both under-reported and rapidly increasing in our society.

The Masonic CHIP Kit is the most comprehensive service of its kind anywhere. CHIP is provided at no charge to the public and all of the identifying items generated during CHIP are given to the child’s family.

The CHIP Kit includes the following:

Digital Video Interview:  A brief interview is worth a thousand still photos. The interview captures the appearance, speech, mannerisms, and other important personal characteristics of a child. The interview, can be quickly distributed via the media to reach a huge audience. It is the cornerstone of CHIP.

Digital Fingerprints:  Fingerprinting is a well-known means of identification. Everyone’s prints are unique. Resourceful parents keep fingerprints available should the need arise.

Toothprints™ bite impression is quick and easy. Teeth, like fingerprints, are unique. Even in a child who is losing and gaining teeth, a dental imprint gives both accurate and important information for identification purposes. Saliva on the Toothprint® also serves as a DNA sample for at least 3 years, but more importantly, serves as a scent tracer for recovery blood­hound dogs that can easily track saliva scent.

DNA Cheek Swab:    The cheek swab provides DNA material for both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA matching for more than 20 years when properly frozen in a home freezer.

Digital Photograph:   If needed, this still picture is an invaluable tool for an Amber Alert.  No photos or files are retained by the Freemasons or other sponsoring organizations.

The video interview, digital fingerprints and digital photograph are downloaded to a CD and given to the parents or guardians. None of the identification files are saved on the processing computer.

The Masonic CHIP Kit is provided at no charge to the children. Only the permission slip is retained by the Freemasons. No copies of any ID materials are kept on file by any of the organizers; the parents receive all ID materials and health information produced.

Contributions for CHIP can be made to the Nebraska Freemasons CHIP Foundation by mailing them to P.O. Box 83862, Lincoln, NE 68501-3862.

NEBRASKA FREEMASONS CHIP FOUNDATION
and THE GRAND LODGE OF MASONS IN NEBRASKA
P.O. Box 83862, Lincoln, NE 68501-3862
TELEPHONE: 800-558-8029
or
402-475-4640
WEBSITE: www.glne.org