The CHAD sticker child identification program was developed after a traffic crash that tragically killed 17-year-old driver Julie Wright. Julie was a nanny transporting Chad, a 13-month-old in her care.  Chad was injured but buckled correctly in his car seat during and after the crash. 

First responders took him to the hospital, but his treatment was delayed because his identity was unknown. Only because Chad’s aunt, an emergency room nurse, recognized him could his parents be located, and consent given to treat his injuries.  As a result, Julie and Chad’s families partnered with stakeholders to develop a system that would ensure rapid identification of children in the event of a crash.

The C.H.A.D. (Children Have An iDentity) sticker program rolled out in 1992, and since then over 100,000 identification stickers have been distributed in 40 states. 

CHAD stickers are available in English and Spanish, for car seats and bicycles. Stickers are free of charge and can be ordered in larger quantities for distribution.  You can order CHAD stickers on the Public Information & Education Materials Form.

A CHAD sticker should be completed and affixed to every car seat that a child travels in.  Completed stickers should be placed on the plastic shell of the car seat, either under the cushion or on the side out of view, in order to protect privacy. First responders are trained to look for this identification, especially in the event an adult occupant is unresponsive.