Imagine a world where no child goes missing or becomes a victim of exploitation. That’s the vision driving Saving Lost Kids, a non-profit charity organization dedicated to saving missing, exploited, and sex-trafficked children, founded by Brian Callies. Through forward-thinking prevention initiatives, comprehensive child safety IDs, and a deep dedication to community outreach, Saving Lost Kids aims to educate, empower, and inspire parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children.

We sat down with Brian to learn how his organization has impacted thousands of families and how they continue to push boundaries in protecting vulnerable children.

A Mission Guided by Prevention

When Brian Callies founded Saving Lost Kids, he felt a calling to make a difference. “Ninety-five percent of missing children’s cases could be avoided if children made safer choices and parents recognized the red flags,” Brian shared. This statistic has become the foundation of Saving Lost Kids’ mission.

Rather than waiting until a child is already missing, Brian’s team focuses on prevention and education. They attend over 150 community events annually, reaching over 150,000 children and families with safety training and free child safety IDs. But for Brian, it’s not just about creating IDs; it’s about connecting with families. “At those events, we teach kids the safe choices they can make and educate parents about the small details that can make a big difference,” he said. 

Child Safety IDs: A Helpful Tool for Families

Saving Lost Kids is widely recognized for its Passports for Safety, comprehensive child safety IDs that include 10-point fingerprints, professional photographs, and detailed identifying information. Like My Family ID, these IDs are designed to equip parents and law enforcement with everything they need to locate a missing child quickly.

Families who want to take additional steps can also leverage tools like My Family ID, a mobile app that securely stores identification data such as photos, digital fingerprints, and biometric facial scans. Like traditional safety IDs, My Family ID ensures this critical information is easily accessible and stored securely on the user’s mobile device, not in the cloud or on paper.

Download The My Family ID App

“Law enforcement often tells us the most critical tool they need is a current photo, what the child looks like today, right now,” Brian explained. “That’s why we encourage families to take a fresh photo every time they attend one of our events. It’s not just about having the information; it’s about making sure it’s usable in the moment it’s needed.”

Prevention Starts with Awareness

While tools like safety IDs are essential, Brian believes prevention must begin with education. “The truth is, most families don’t realize how common the problem is. Ninety-three percent of missing kids are runaways, not abductions,” he shared. “If we want to protect children, we have to teach them, and their parents, about the safer choices they can make.”

At their events, Brian and his team engage with children to identify their safety gaps. “We intentionally ask questions that we expect kids to answer the wrong way,” Brian said. “That helps us uncover their most vulnerable areas and teach them better responses. Parents are often shocked when they see their child’s answers, but the most impactful changes begin in those moments.”

One of Saving Lost Kids’ cornerstone lessons is teaching children to “run to safety” instead of running away. “If a child feels unsafe at home or school, they need to know there are safer alternatives than running into the unknown,” Brian explained.

Leveraging Technology in the Fight Against Exploitation

“Technology is both our biggest challenge and one of our most valuable tools,” Brian explains. “Predators use it to exploit children, but with the right education and safeguards, families can use it to protect them.”

At Saving Lost Kids, technology plays a vital role in recovery operations. Tools like GPS tracking, digital footprints, and contact tracing have proven effective in locating missing children. “In one instance, we used a cell phone’s GPS data to trace a missing child’s movements and reunite them with their family,” Brian recalls.

Related Article: The App That Helps in The Search For Missing Kids

Emerging Technology To Protect Children

Apps like My Family ID have also been redefining how families prepare for the unexpected. The app equips parents with immediate, actionable resources by securely storing vital identification data such as biometric facial scans, recent photos, and fingerprints. “The app’s focus on privacy and accessibility aligns perfectly with what we need to assist law enforcement quickly and effectively,” Brian notes. “It’s the kind of innovation that makes a real difference.”

Brian also envisions how emerging technologies like My Family ID’s biometric facial scan, powered by the same technology used by the FBI and TSA, could revolutionize recovery efforts. With the ability to identify missing children in crowded areas through surveillance, these tools could significantly reduce the time it takes to locate a child. “The potential is enormous; the app aligns perfectly with what we need to assist law enforcement quickly and effectively,” Brian notes. “It’s the kind of innovation that makes a real difference.”

“Technology alone isn’t the answer; it needs to be paired with education and proactive safety practices. When used responsibly, these tools can truly be life-changing.”
- Brian Callies, Founder, Saving Lost Kids

Parents and caregivers, however, must remain vigilant about the risks that technology poses. Smartphones and social media can open doors to exploitation when children are not equipped with the knowledge to navigate these platforms safely. That’s why Saving Lost Kids emphasizes education alongside innovation.

Filling in the Gaps With Community Collaboration

One of Saving Lost Kids’ core philosophies is collaboration with law enforcement and other organizations. “Separately, we can only do so much,” Brian explained. “But when we work together, we create a system that protects kids in ways no one group could do alone.”

How You Can Get Involved

If you want to help protect children and prevent exploitation, here are some ways to get involved:

1. Download My Family ID: Securely store your child’s critical information and be ready to act in emergencies.

2. Support Saving Lost Kids: Visit the Saving Lost Kids website to donate, volunteer, see upcoming events, or learn more about their impactful work.

3. Spread Awareness: Share this blog and encourage your community to join the mission of prevention and preparedness.

Together, we can create a safer world for children, one step at a time.