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.