Why does The Salvation Army have a Family Tracing Service?

In The Salvation Army we believe everyone needs the sense of belonging that only family relationships can provide. When people are separated from their families for whatever reason, this can be a cause of great unhappiness. That is why we have a Family Tracing Service. It is one of the oldest tracing agencies in the world, having been founded in 1885.

What is the purpose of the Service?

We help people to trace adult relatives with whom contact has been lost - whether recently, or many years ago - and so restore family relationships.

Who does the Service try to trace?

Our service can be used to search for adult members of family who are known to exist, and where basic certain information can be provided. For further information see our Dos and Don'ts page.

Who is not included in the tracing programme?

We do not normally become involved in searches where adoption has taken place, nor with enquiries to trace a mother or father where there was no marriage between parents. We cannot look for children under 18 years of age, or other 'vulnerable' missing people where a physical search or police involvement would probably be more appropriate. We cannot carry out family history enquiries, or look for 'possible' relatives. For further information see our Dos and Don'ts page.

Does the Service operate only in the United Kingdom?

No - The Salvation Army is at work in over 100 countries, and tracing facilities are available in many of these.

Who does the tracing?

We have a staff of 14, which includes experienced and skilled caseworkers, researchers and administrators in the London office, plus the availability of support from our many centres throughout the UK, as well as internationally.

How successful is the Family Tracing Service?

Every year, around 4,000 new searches are started and in approximately 85% of cases the person sought is contacted (or sadly, in some instances is found to be no longer alive). Every working day, in the UK alone, more than 10 people are found and successfully reunited with their families.

What about confidentiality?

The Service is strongly committed to the principles of confidentiality. The address of a relative who has been found will never be disclosed without the prior consent of that person. For further information see our Confidentiality page.

Is there a charge for the Service?

The registration fee is £45 (£25 for those whose only income is state support). The actual cost of a search is over £150. There are no government grants or other sources of external funding. The deficit is met from Salvation Army central funds. Donations are therefore always welcome.
 

Start your search here Complete our online request for a Family Tracing Service Application Form

The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service  101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Telephone: 0845 634 4747