The work was established in 1885, when the Founder of The Salvation Army recognized that families were becoming fragmented as a result of social and economic pressures. Today, the Family Tracing Service has close links with colleagues in many of the 100 countries where The Salvation Army is operating. In addition, requests to trace relatives arrive regularly from countries where the Army has never been at work. 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. The average age of persons sought is 48 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 communication. This includes those who express a desire not to renew a relationship with the enquirer. It includes also those relatives who have sadly been found to be no longer alive. Occasionally, happily reunited families will make a welcome donation above the initial fee.