Armed conflict and natural disaster leave millions of people around the globe in urgent need of humanitarian assistance every year. Adding to the physical losses, the confusion and chaos surrounding war and natural disasters often separates families when they need each other most. Tragically, when families and loved ones are separated by war or disaster, their suffering is greater. But, through the strength of the Red Cross Movement and the work of tracing volunteers at national societies around the world, including the American Red Cross, families reconnect.

American Red Cross International Family Tracing Services accepts tracing cases and traces sought persons when:

• Families have been separated as a result of either armed conflict or disaster.
• As much as possible, families should have tried normal channels of communication before requesting Red Cross tracing services.
• The family member making the inquiry provides essential information on the sought person.
• The family member making the inquiry is a close family relative, who has been in direct contact with the sought person before the conflict or disaster occurred.

The Red Cross only conducts international tracing—not domestic (unless it is disaster related).

For cases that are not disaster related and are not international tracing requests, please try the Salvation Army—they may be able to help in local/national tracing. The name of their service is the "Missing Persons Bureau." All inquiries must begin in the Missing Persons Bureau in the Salvation Army Territory where the seeker resides rather than where the missing person was last known to be. The phone number is 1- (800) 698-7728. The seeking relative must request the form from his/her own area. For information about Red Cross international tracing services, please call 739-8147 or send an inquiry to (generic disaster services address).