More than 500,000 children enrolled in Utah public schools will receive a child's ID kit as part of a national effort to protect every child enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade.

So far more than 189,600 kits have been distributed to children in the Daggett, Salt Lake, Sevier and Wasatch Counties.

"Parents should realize that these kits are like an insurance policy you hope you never use," said Ed Smart, father of abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart and national consultant for the American Football Coaches Association, in a press release.

After the idea was pitched to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., the project was then turned over to Alice Erickson with the Department of Public Safety.

"After receiving the project, we began talking with the American Football Coaches Association and we decided that DPS would purchase half of the kits and they would purchase the other half," Erickson said.

The first kit given out in the state of Utah was during the BYU vs. San Diego State football game in October.

Afterward, the FBI and the Utah Sheriff's Association became involved in distributing the kits. Every state in the nation has since become involved in the project and has also purchased kits.

Officials decided one way to get the word out about the kits would be to make announcements throughout Amber Alert Day, a national day marking the 13th anniversary of the child abduction and murder of Amber Hagerman.

The Amber Alert has helped save 430 children so far, and now it is being used in every state.

"We work closely with Ed Smart," said Paul Murphy from the Attorney General's office who was put in charge of this year's Amber Alert Day in Utah. "He is a champion for children and he is even on the advisory committee for Amber Alert."

During Amber Alert Day, announcements were made to make the public aware that children are vulnerable. Details were announced to advertise the kits.

"These kits will be critical if a child is missing or abducted,"

said Commissioner Scott T. Duncan, in a press release. "We hope every Utah parent takes the time

to make sure their child's information is ready."

madisonhighland@hotmail.com

Copyright Brigham Young University 21 Jan 2009