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As much as we try to build safe communities, crime and predators still lurk outside. These despicable individuals commit crimes that are a parent’s worst nightmare, and the worst of it all is the feeling of helplessness that lingers while their child is missing.
Canada, and the United States, have been identified as a source, destination and transit country for victims of human trafficking. Both record sky-high numbers when it comes to missing children. Combined, around 510 000 kids disappear every year.
These chilling numbers indicate the severity of the situation, a problem that cannot be resolved through law enforcement alone.
A long-time officer of over 20 years and the receiver of multiple awards, such as the Chief of Police Excellence Award for her work with at-risk youth, Kelly Ann Granell knows all too well the severity of the crisis.
A mother of 6 who has worked in the inner city with the youth, she could not sit idly by while the number of cases piled up. Her combined experience in law enforcement, as well as her motherly instincts, became the catalyst for her venture, Be Your Child’s First Responder.
Despite the advancements in technology that have given law enforcement access to new tools and resources, such as advanced forensic analysis, facial recognition software and GPS tracking, the high number of missing children still poses a significant challenge for police officers and the FBI in terms of quickly and effectively locating them. Not to mention that many of these missing children are from vulnerable populations such as foster care, group homes, or low-income families, making them more susceptible to falling into the hands of traffickers and other criminal organizations.
Knowing that the first 72 hours are the most important when a child goes missing, Kelly set out to provide a tangible solution to worried parents around the country.
Because of the limited availability of DNA and other identification data for these children, her company, Be Your Child’s First Responder, now provide an extensive information kit, filled out ahead of time, for law enforcement to use should anything happen to their kid. Through DNA, voice recordings, and fingerprints, this product makes it easier and faster for them to be reunited with their parents and families.
The base package costs just $45.00 and includes all three items, but for those who only need certain items, there are also options to purchase the DNA kit separately for $10.00 or the fingerprint and footprint kit for $15.00.
“The first part of an investigation requires law enforcement to gather information about the missing child. The kit is a time saver because the information about the child is already filled out ahead of time. In these cases, time is of the essence. Thousands of children and teens go missing yearly,” commented Granell of her data collection kits.
Canadian-made, with a portion of the proceeds going to families in need, Kelly is dedicated to changing the world for the better, one kit at a time.
To order yours, protect your child and learn more about her work, visit Be Your Child’s First Responder today.
