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 Home Missing Persons Success Stories |
Family Tracing ServiceThe Family Tracing Service of The Salvation Army was established in 1885, and therefore has more than a century of experience, expertise and credibility. The service exists for the purpose of trying to restore (or to sustain) family relationships, by locating relatives who for whatever reason have become out of touch. Loss of contact may have taken place within the past few days, or many years ago. It may have been a deliberate break or otherwise. The department is sometimes able to help also in matters to do with identity and relationships. Successful investigations often bring a sense of 'belonging' to those who have never known close blood-ties - restoring in them new feelings of dignity, of self worth and of life purpose. Today, the Family Tracing Service works in many of the 100 countries where The
Salvation Army is operating. Searches are carried out by Salvation Army personnel in the
countries concerned. It is usual for a standard enquiry form to be completed in the
country and or province where the enquirer is living. In British Columbia we currently
have two offices.
When the department is asked to conduct investigations,
the average length of time that a relative has been out of touch is about 16 years. (A
record reunion took place between a brother and sister after 81 years!) Enquiries may take
a few minutes - or a few years! Absolute confidence is observed. The address of a relative who has been found is never
disclosed without his or her prior consent. The department is, however, willing to act as
a 'postbox' until such time as all parties involved feel free to reveal their addresses
for direct communications. Exemptions There are certain enquiries with which the Tracing Service does not normally become
involved, for example, those to do with:
However, The Family Tracing Service will be happy to advise further on eligibility issues. |