Abstract: A system is described that facilitates notification of the parents of a lost child, while preventing strangers from learning the name of the child or parents. The system includes an alphanumeric identification marking (I.D. marking) on an item of clothing of a particular child, the I.D. marking being unique to the particular child but not containing the child's name. An alert marking, similar to alert markings on other children's clothing that have an I.D. marking, alerts authorities who find a lost child that an I.D. marking is present and indicates where it is located, such as hidden within a pocket. Authorities finding the child, and by the alert marking are directed to the I.D. marking, are able to contact a central station which can notify the parents of the child that the child has been found. The I.D. marking can be generated from a credit card number of a parent by a formula that permits knowledge of the I.D.