NCJ Number
248507
Date Published
July 2011
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This document presents the sessions of a forum on child identity theft, which was held on July 12, 2011, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs and the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Abstract
A panel presented an overview of child ID theft, which focused on instances of child identity theft in order to illustrate how the crime occurs, its scope, the impact of the crime, and implications for victim services, professionals who serve children, and ID theft prevention advocates. A panel entitled, "Children at Risk: Foster Care and Beyond" explored the distinctive challenges of ID theft among foster children, who often have fewer resources to assist them in addressing this crime and recovering from its victimization consequences. These children are particularly vulnerable because their personal information is easily accessible. A third panel, "Children at Risk: Familial ID Theft," examined the challenges facing children who have had their identities stolen by family members. Such children often lack resources, guidance, and emotional support. Panel 4, "Securing Children's Data in the Educational System," addressed the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and initiatives to protect children's personal information in school systems. This panel also considered lessons learned from a high-profile data breach that involved student information. Also discussed were outreach efforts to children, teachers, youth counselors, and school administers about privacy and security for children's personal information. Panel 5, "Reclaiming the Future: Planning for Solutions," consisted of panelists from government, the private sector, and advocacy and nonprofit organizations discussing existing and potential solutions to child ID theft. Panelists explored challenges in implementing solutions and provided guidance for parents in preventing and remedying child ID theft.