Searching for someone, or a birth parent

The following script gives information on how to trace someone you have been separated from.

For information on how to obtain a birth certificate, contact the Family Records Centre on the birth, marriage and death certificate enquiries line at 0870 243 77 88.

If you are searching for someone separated through adoption, whether it’s a parent, child or other family member, you can get further information from the Adoption Contact Register. In England and Wales, phone 0151 471 4830. For Scotland, call 0131 225 6441. In Northern Ireland, phone 028 9025 2000.

The Salvation Army runs a national and international family tracing service. If you are under 18, you will need to provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian when making an enquiry. There is a fee of £35 for tracing someone and a concessionary rate of £15 for people on state benefits. You can call them on 020 7367 4747 (Mondays to Fridays, 8.15am-3.45pm).

In England and Wales, Traceline carries out searches for family and friends. You need to be over 18 to make an enquiry. They charge £27.50 (£30 inclusive of VAT) to make a search and then another £22.50 (£25 inclusive of VAT) for forwarding a letter. No information about the person being traced will be given out to the person making a search, and all contact will be up to the person who is being traced. You can call Traceline on 0151 471 4811.

You can also find other organisations for tracing people on a new website at www.look4them.org.

This message has been prepared and is updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.