Welcome again to the UK People Search News,
In this week’s letter I will look at how to find people when they are living in another country.
My skills are in finding people in the UK. My tools are mostly for searching in the UK as well. It is also where I do most of my work.
However, if I am asked to find someone elsewhere, I would contact one of my colleagues (usually a fellow member of one of my trade groups) in that other country and they would carry out the search for me. We divide the fee earned between us. It would certainly be cheaper than paying me to go abroad to carry out a search! Also, many countries require their investigators to be registered and licensed in the country in question.
If you are looking for someone in another country you could try an International Phone Service like IX Quick at http://us.ixquick.com/eng/phone.html
Internet searches can be international too. So do give Google a try. While you are about it, you could post on one of the many missing persons sites including the free Blood-Ties forum at http://www.blood-ties.com/findforum/index.php
Then it may be worth doing a search of the many blogs being created daily at http://www.technorati.com/
I would also suggest that you take a look on the online communities like http://www.myspace.com/
If you are lucky enough to be looking someone in the United States of America then you should have no trouble finding them, as there are many services available that you can contact on the Internet and pay for with your credit card. The United States has open access to people search information, and many companies buy the data, and then sell it on to members of the public or to investigative services.
Remember, that if you cannot find the person you're looking for abroad, then perhaps you should be looking for their friends and family in this country, who may then be able to put you in touch with the person you are looking for.
Good luck!
*******************
I hope that this information is useful and that it helps you to find the person you are looking for.
I run a people finding service called Blood-Ties Tracing Service, which you can find at http://www.blood-ties.com/. I should be happy to help you in your searches.
Archives of these e-letters can be found on the ‘UK People Search News’ at http://uk-people-search.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to re-publish this article so long as it remains unaltered and this resource box is included.
The views expressed in my articles are mine alone and while they are effective methods used in my own business I cannot guarantee the results that you will achieve. While these articles are written with every care, I am not a lawyer and you should consider the legality and morality of any steps you take to trace people. Please remember that your investigation could cause distress to others so tread gently and make sure your contact is welcome to them.
Until next week -
Best regards,
Giles
info@blood-ties.com
********************
'UK People Search News' sign up form
Friday, 27 April 2007
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Keeping on the Right Side of the Law
Welcome again to the UK People Search News,
In this week’s letter, I take a look at how the law affects the work of the People Finder.
When you undertake a search for a person, you are working with personal and private information about that person. It is important to ensure that that information is dealt with carefully and treated with respect.
It is said that over an average person’s lifetime, many miles of paperwork are created about that individual. However, just because there is so much paperwork doesn't mean that we People Searchers have the right to see or read that paperwork. Some information is in the public domain and other information is regarded as private. For example, you will often find when you contact a company to ask for information about someone who works for them, that they will say that they cannot give you any information because of the Data Protection Act.
The Data Protection Act requires anyone who handles personal information to comply with a number of important principles. It also gives individuals rights over their personal information. You can learn more about data protection on the Information Commissioner’s Office website at http://www.ico.gov.uk/
The Data Protection Act has made life fairer for us all, but it has probably made the lives of private investigators more difficult!
So, how do we get around this problem?
If we know that an organisation holds the contact details for someone we're trying to get hold of, they may be willing to pass on a letter to the person concerned, even if they can't give us the address directly.
Below is an example of a letter you could write to the Human Resources Department of a company that your subject works or worked for:
Do you get the idea?
The letter you write John Smith will depend on how much you know about Mr Smith and also how certain you are that you have found the right man. Below is an example of such a letter:
Such letters, respect the privacy of the person that you are looking for. They can always choose not to reply. Sometimes, you will get a very quick reply, and sometimes it can be ages before you'll hear from them. There will be many times where you will get no reply at all, but overall it is a good method of finding people.
You need to be imaginative. Such letters can be written to employers, banks, golf clubs landlords and so on. Who might know the address of the person you're looking for?
********************
I hope that this information is useful and that it helps you to find the person you are looking for.
I run a people finding service called Blood-Ties Tracing Service, which you can find at http://www.blood-ties.com/. I should be happy to help you in your searches.
Archives of these e-letters can be found on the ‘UK People Search News’ at http://uk-people-search.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to re-publish this article so long as it remains unaltered and this resource box is included.
The views expressed in my articles are mine alone and while they are effective methods used in my own business I cannot guarantee the results that you will achieve. While these articles are written with every care, I am not a lawyer and you should consider the legality and morality of any steps you take to trace people. Please remember that your investigation could cause distress to others so tread gently and make sure your contact is welcome to them.
Best regards,
Giles
info@blood-ties.com
********************
In this week’s letter, I take a look at how the law affects the work of the People Finder.
When you undertake a search for a person, you are working with personal and private information about that person. It is important to ensure that that information is dealt with carefully and treated with respect.
It is said that over an average person’s lifetime, many miles of paperwork are created about that individual. However, just because there is so much paperwork doesn't mean that we People Searchers have the right to see or read that paperwork. Some information is in the public domain and other information is regarded as private. For example, you will often find when you contact a company to ask for information about someone who works for them, that they will say that they cannot give you any information because of the Data Protection Act.
The Data Protection Act requires anyone who handles personal information to comply with a number of important principles. It also gives individuals rights over their personal information. You can learn more about data protection on the Information Commissioner’s Office website at http://www.ico.gov.uk/
The Data Protection Act has made life fairer for us all, but it has probably made the lives of private investigators more difficult!
So, how do we get around this problem?
If we know that an organisation holds the contact details for someone we're trying to get hold of, they may be willing to pass on a letter to the person concerned, even if they can't give us the address directly.
Below is an example of a letter you could write to the Human Resources Department of a company that your subject works or worked for:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Re: John Smith
I am trying to contact the above, who is one of your employees, regarding an urgent and confidential matter and I am wondering if you can put me in touch with him.
I understand that the Data Protection Act precludes you from advising me of their current address, but I would be pleased to know if you would be prepared to forward a prepaid letter to Mr Smith on my behalf.
I apologise for troubling you and enclose a stamped addressed envelope for your reply. Any assistance you can give me would be very much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name
Enc: SAE
Do you get the idea?
The letter you write John Smith will depend on how much you know about Mr Smith and also how certain you are that you have found the right man. Below is an example of such a letter:
Dear Mr Smith,
I hope you don't mind me writing to you, but I am trying to locate a Mr John Smith, for a friend of yours, Your Name. I am writing to all the people of that name that I can find.
The John Smith I am looking for is … where born … job … employed as … lived at …
If you are the John Smith, that I am looking for, do please let me know. I am enclosing a stamped addressed envelope your use. Even if you are not the person I am looking for, I should be grateful if you would drop me a line so that I can take you off my list.
Thank you very much your time.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name.
Enc: SAE
Such letters, respect the privacy of the person that you are looking for. They can always choose not to reply. Sometimes, you will get a very quick reply, and sometimes it can be ages before you'll hear from them. There will be many times where you will get no reply at all, but overall it is a good method of finding people.
You need to be imaginative. Such letters can be written to employers, banks, golf clubs landlords and so on. Who might know the address of the person you're looking for?
********************
I hope that this information is useful and that it helps you to find the person you are looking for.
I run a people finding service called Blood-Ties Tracing Service, which you can find at http://www.blood-ties.com/. I should be happy to help you in your searches.
Archives of these e-letters can be found on the ‘UK People Search News’ at http://uk-people-search.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to re-publish this article so long as it remains unaltered and this resource box is included.
The views expressed in my articles are mine alone and while they are effective methods used in my own business I cannot guarantee the results that you will achieve. While these articles are written with every care, I am not a lawyer and you should consider the legality and morality of any steps you take to trace people. Please remember that your investigation could cause distress to others so tread gently and make sure your contact is welcome to them.
Best regards,
Giles
info@blood-ties.com
********************
Friday, 13 April 2007
Finding a relative or friend in prison
How can I find my relative or friend in prison?
If you wish to trace someone who you believe is in prison but do not know his or her exact whereabouts a service has been developed called the Prisoner Location Service that can help you.
If you want to contact the Prisoner Location Service, please write to them at the following address:
Prisoner Location Service
PO Box 2152
Birmingham
B15 1SD
Fax: 0121 626 3474
Email: mailto:prisoner.location.service@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
The following information must be included with your enquiry:
* Full name of person you want to contact
* Any other names by which they may have been known
* Date of Birth
* Reason for enquiry
If the person is in custody, your details will be passed to them and he or she will be asked to give consent for the disclosure of their whereabouts.
If you wish to trace someone who you believe is in prison but do not know his or her exact whereabouts a service has been developed called the Prisoner Location Service that can help you.
If you want to contact the Prisoner Location Service, please write to them at the following address:
Prisoner Location Service
PO Box 2152
Birmingham
B15 1SD
Fax: 0121 626 3474
Email: mailto:prisoner.location.service@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
The following information must be included with your enquiry:
* Full name of person you want to contact
* Any other names by which they may have been known
* Date of Birth
* Reason for enquiry
If the person is in custody, your details will be passed to them and he or she will be asked to give consent for the disclosure of their whereabouts.
Saturday, 7 April 2007
Adoption Searches
Are you an adopted person looking for birth family or are you looking for someone who was adopted?
This is a complicated topic that requires careful study. I hope that these notes are helpful.
Sources:
You can contact services that help people who have been adopted and their families. Here are a few:
General Record Office http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/adoptions/
National Organisation for Counselling Adoptees and Parents (NORCAP) at http://www.norcap.org.uk/
Adoption, Search & Reunion at http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/
British Association for Adoption and Fostering at http://www.baaf.org.uk/
The Post Adoption Centre at http://www.postadoptioncentre.org.uk/
In Scotland, try Birthlink at http://www.birthlink.org.uk/
After Adoption (Post Adoption Services) http://www.afteradoption.org.uk/
Transnational and Transracial Adoption Group http://www.ttag.org.uk/
Barnado’s http://www.barnardos.org.uk/
Finding an Agency to Help You:
Try typing your local area into the search panel in http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/help/database/ and you will see that your local authority will offer a Post Adoption Service. In addition several national bodies and charities can be contacted as well.
Please note:
As of 30th December 2005 all agencies providing intermediary services must be registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). These agencies employ qualified social workers and therapists to help you deal with the emotions aroused in the process of searching for your family. Tracing agencies like Blood-Ties are not registered or qualified to carry out such work, so you must first approach the above organisations.
Adoption Contact Registers:
You may wish to consider using Adoption Contact Registers to help you get in touch with your family. A register is held by the General Register Office at http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/adoptions/adoptioncontactregister/index.asp. The Adoption Contact Register exists to put adopted people and their birth relatives in touch with each other if that is what they both wish. There is a similar register held at NORCAP. These registers have helped many families to find each other again. There is a charge for both these services, but it could prove worthwhile. There are other commercial registers available as well. Do feel free to use the Blood-Ties Forum, which has its own contact page at http://www.blood-ties.com/findforum/index.php
Access to Birth / Adoption Records:
At 18, an adopted person can apply for a certificate of their original birth registration, via the Access to Birth Records service at the General Register Office.
If you were adopted through a court in England or Wales and are aged 18 years or over you can apply for a certificate of your original birth entry and try to seek out more information about your origins.
The law and the rules vary depending on when the adoption took place:
If you were adopted before 12 November 1975:
You are required to attend an informal meeting with an approved adoption advisor for confidential guidance, either with your local Social Services, at the General Register Office or, under certain circumstances, at the agency that handled your adoption.
You can also choose to see an adoption worker at another local authority. The General Register Office will forward your original birth information to your chosen approved adoption advisor.
Before 12 November 1975, many parents were led to believe that the adopted child would never be able to find out their original name or the names of their parents. These arrangements were made in good faith. However, changes in legislation allowed adopted people to discover their original details. It is important that adopted people understand what this might mean, not only for themselves but also for others.
If you were adopted between 12 November 1975 and 30 December 2005, are 18 years old or over:
You have a choice whether you would like to see an approved adoption advisor or have the information sent to you direct. You may find it helpful to see an adoption advisor, as they may be able to offer practical advice and guidance as well as discussing any concerns or issues important to you.
If you choose not to see an adoption advisor:
The material sent to you is the same information as that given to adoption advisors for people adopted prior to 12 November 1975.
You will be sent information about your birth name, birth parent(s) name(s) and your district of birth with which to apply for a certified copy of your original birth entry.
If an adoption agency or local authority was involved in your adoption you will receive this information. If not, then you will receive details necessary to make an application to the court for the name of the adoption agency or local authority.
Access to Birth / Adoption Records for Birth Relatives:
From 30 December 2005 changes to the law will enable birth relatives to also apply for access to an adopted person’s adoption registration. However Access to Adoption Records for birth relatives must be done via Intermediary Agencies.
From 30 December 2005 a birth relative wishing to make contact with an adopted person can apply to an approved Intermediary Agency. The Intermediary Agency will help facilitate contact between birth relatives and adopted people.
The Intermediary Agency can apply to the General Register Office for the name of the organisation involved in the adoption or if that is not available the name of the court granting the adoption.
In addition the Intermediary Agency can apply to the General Register Office for information from the Adoption Contact Register and post-adoptive information which will enable an application to be made for an adoption certificate. All this information can be used by the Intermediary Agency to decide whether to proceed but this will be subject to the views of the adopted person.
Intermediary Agencies:
Useful websites that will give more information include:
Every Child Matters http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/adoption/
Commission for Social Care Inspection http://www.csci.org.uk/registeredservicesdirectory/
Dealing with the emotions brought up by the search:
As may be imagined, the process of making these kinds of searches will bring back all the emotions connected with the adoption in the first place. Moods can vary from black depression to elation. You need to choose a time when things are stable in your life before commencing a search. It is wise to get the support of a good friend or family member who will be willing to offer you support during this process and help by listening to you and by helping keep your feet on the ground.
It is for these reasons that you will be offered counselling when you ask for access to your adoption record. I would suggest that it is a good idea to accept the offer.
One thing to remember is that it is your life and your search. Of course it up to you who you choose to trust and if you don’t feel comfortable with the person offered to you, it is your right to go elsewhere.
One thing is for sure. This search and the reunions that will hopefully follow have been described as an emotional roller coaster and you will need all the support you can get.
Support from other people in a similar position:
Many people choose to join BAAF or NORCAP in order to gain the support of other people who really know what they are experiencing. Some people meet online on newsgroups and groups such as:
Alt.Adoption at http://groups.google.com/group/alt.adoption/topics
Adoption Searching at http://news-reader.org/uk.people.adoption.searching/
Open Records Two at http://groups.msn.com/AdoptionOpenRecordstwo
Adoption Searching at http://www.nnseek.com/e/uk.people.adoption.searching/
Useful Reading:
The Adoption Reunion Handbook by Trinder, Feast and Howe. ISBN 0470094222
Searching for Family Connections by NORCAP ISBN 0950990159
Where to Find Adoption Records by Georgina Stafford BAAF ISBN 1903699010
Tracing Missing Persons by Colin D. Rogers ISBN 071901901X
The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier ISBN 0963648004
More interesting sites:
Robin Harritt at http://harritt.net/ for a view on the current legislation and on difficulties in getting hold of adoption records from some sources. Despite the new legislation some agencies may feel a need to cover their actions in the past.
In Conclusion:
I hope that these few sheets are helpful to the beginner in such searches. If nothing else it should point the way to finding further information. Good luck in your search!
This is a complicated topic that requires careful study. I hope that these notes are helpful.
Sources:
You can contact services that help people who have been adopted and their families. Here are a few:
General Record Office http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/adoptions/
National Organisation for Counselling Adoptees and Parents (NORCAP) at http://www.norcap.org.uk/
Adoption, Search & Reunion at http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/
British Association for Adoption and Fostering at http://www.baaf.org.uk/
The Post Adoption Centre at http://www.postadoptioncentre.org.uk/
In Scotland, try Birthlink at http://www.birthlink.org.uk/
After Adoption (Post Adoption Services) http://www.afteradoption.org.uk/
Transnational and Transracial Adoption Group http://www.ttag.org.uk/
Barnado’s http://www.barnardos.org.uk/
Finding an Agency to Help You:
Try typing your local area into the search panel in http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/help/database/ and you will see that your local authority will offer a Post Adoption Service. In addition several national bodies and charities can be contacted as well.
Please note:
As of 30th December 2005 all agencies providing intermediary services must be registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). These agencies employ qualified social workers and therapists to help you deal with the emotions aroused in the process of searching for your family. Tracing agencies like Blood-Ties are not registered or qualified to carry out such work, so you must first approach the above organisations.
Adoption Contact Registers:
You may wish to consider using Adoption Contact Registers to help you get in touch with your family. A register is held by the General Register Office at http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/adoptions/adoptioncontactregister/index.asp. The Adoption Contact Register exists to put adopted people and their birth relatives in touch with each other if that is what they both wish. There is a similar register held at NORCAP. These registers have helped many families to find each other again. There is a charge for both these services, but it could prove worthwhile. There are other commercial registers available as well. Do feel free to use the Blood-Ties Forum, which has its own contact page at http://www.blood-ties.com/findforum/index.php
Access to Birth / Adoption Records:
At 18, an adopted person can apply for a certificate of their original birth registration, via the Access to Birth Records service at the General Register Office.
If you were adopted through a court in England or Wales and are aged 18 years or over you can apply for a certificate of your original birth entry and try to seek out more information about your origins.
The law and the rules vary depending on when the adoption took place:
If you were adopted before 12 November 1975:
You are required to attend an informal meeting with an approved adoption advisor for confidential guidance, either with your local Social Services, at the General Register Office or, under certain circumstances, at the agency that handled your adoption.
You can also choose to see an adoption worker at another local authority. The General Register Office will forward your original birth information to your chosen approved adoption advisor.
Before 12 November 1975, many parents were led to believe that the adopted child would never be able to find out their original name or the names of their parents. These arrangements were made in good faith. However, changes in legislation allowed adopted people to discover their original details. It is important that adopted people understand what this might mean, not only for themselves but also for others.
If you were adopted between 12 November 1975 and 30 December 2005, are 18 years old or over:
You have a choice whether you would like to see an approved adoption advisor or have the information sent to you direct. You may find it helpful to see an adoption advisor, as they may be able to offer practical advice and guidance as well as discussing any concerns or issues important to you.
If you choose not to see an adoption advisor:
The material sent to you is the same information as that given to adoption advisors for people adopted prior to 12 November 1975.
You will be sent information about your birth name, birth parent(s) name(s) and your district of birth with which to apply for a certified copy of your original birth entry.
If an adoption agency or local authority was involved in your adoption you will receive this information. If not, then you will receive details necessary to make an application to the court for the name of the adoption agency or local authority.
Access to Birth / Adoption Records for Birth Relatives:
From 30 December 2005 changes to the law will enable birth relatives to also apply for access to an adopted person’s adoption registration. However Access to Adoption Records for birth relatives must be done via Intermediary Agencies.
From 30 December 2005 a birth relative wishing to make contact with an adopted person can apply to an approved Intermediary Agency. The Intermediary Agency will help facilitate contact between birth relatives and adopted people.
The Intermediary Agency can apply to the General Register Office for the name of the organisation involved in the adoption or if that is not available the name of the court granting the adoption.
In addition the Intermediary Agency can apply to the General Register Office for information from the Adoption Contact Register and post-adoptive information which will enable an application to be made for an adoption certificate. All this information can be used by the Intermediary Agency to decide whether to proceed but this will be subject to the views of the adopted person.
Intermediary Agencies:
Useful websites that will give more information include:
Every Child Matters http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/adoption/
Commission for Social Care Inspection http://www.csci.org.uk/registeredservicesdirectory/
Dealing with the emotions brought up by the search:
As may be imagined, the process of making these kinds of searches will bring back all the emotions connected with the adoption in the first place. Moods can vary from black depression to elation. You need to choose a time when things are stable in your life before commencing a search. It is wise to get the support of a good friend or family member who will be willing to offer you support during this process and help by listening to you and by helping keep your feet on the ground.
It is for these reasons that you will be offered counselling when you ask for access to your adoption record. I would suggest that it is a good idea to accept the offer.
One thing to remember is that it is your life and your search. Of course it up to you who you choose to trust and if you don’t feel comfortable with the person offered to you, it is your right to go elsewhere.
One thing is for sure. This search and the reunions that will hopefully follow have been described as an emotional roller coaster and you will need all the support you can get.
Support from other people in a similar position:
Many people choose to join BAAF or NORCAP in order to gain the support of other people who really know what they are experiencing. Some people meet online on newsgroups and groups such as:
Alt.Adoption at http://groups.google.com/group/alt.adoption/topics
Adoption Searching at http://news-reader.org/uk.people.adoption.searching/
Open Records Two at http://groups.msn.com/AdoptionOpenRecordstwo
Adoption Searching at http://www.nnseek.com/e/uk.people.adoption.searching/
Useful Reading:
The Adoption Reunion Handbook by Trinder, Feast and Howe. ISBN 0470094222
Searching for Family Connections by NORCAP ISBN 0950990159
Where to Find Adoption Records by Georgina Stafford BAAF ISBN 1903699010
Tracing Missing Persons by Colin D. Rogers ISBN 071901901X
The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier ISBN 0963648004
More interesting sites:
Robin Harritt at http://harritt.net/ for a view on the current legislation and on difficulties in getting hold of adoption records from some sources. Despite the new legislation some agencies may feel a need to cover their actions in the past.
In Conclusion:
I hope that these few sheets are helpful to the beginner in such searches. If nothing else it should point the way to finding further information. Good luck in your search!
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