Free Child ID App available from the FBI

Every year, thousands of children go missing. Understandably, the parents in these situations are frightened and may not be thinking as they would when not under distress.

Accurate information about missing children is necessary immediately after a child goes missing, but with panicked parents this may not be as easy as one would think.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has created an app for iPhones and android phones so parents can keep information about their children at their fingertips.

Parents can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks.

The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing.

Here are links to downloading the app on iTunes and the Google Play store.