Restoring Family Links
Family Tracing Services
War, disaster and other events beyond an individual’s control can separate families. When this happens, people want to reconnect with or find family members, from whom they have been separated.
The Canadian Red Cross Restoring Family Links program helps immediate family members re-establish contact after separation due to war, internal conflict, natural disaster, and other reasons such as death or illness in the family.
As one of 186 national societies of the International Red Cross Movement, the Canadian Red Cross is able to use this network of national societies and ICRC delegations to attempt to locate people in other countries and reunite them with family members. Click here to find out how you can trace a family member.
Disaster Tracing
Following a disaster (in Canada or abroad) the Red Cross will accept inquiries about the welfare of family members beginning 72 hours after the occurrence of the disaster. Click here to download a Disaster Tracing Request form.
Red Cross Family Messages
When regular postal service is not available due to a conflict or major disaster, Red Cross offers a unique service that allows family members to stay in contact. The Red Cross Family Message is used to locate family members and provide them with an opportunity to reply to the message. Red Cross Family Messages often only consist of a few words, but can ease the minds of worried loved ones half a world away.
Confirmation of Detention
This confirmation is issued to a person who was detained as a prisoner of war and visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This document can be used in support of a refugee status claim. It can also be issued on the request of a family member of the person being detained. In such cases, it is proof for family members in Canada that their family member is alive.
World War II Claims
If you, or a close family member, were interned in a concentration camp or were in a forced labour situation, and you require proof in internment, you can place an inquiry with our service. Click here to download form.For information on any of our Restoring Family Links or Tracing Services, please contact:
Restoring Family Links - Ontario
21 Randolph Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6P 4G4
Phone: 416-480-2500 or Toll Free: 1-866-399-8412
E-mail: rfl.ozone@redcross.ca
Fax: 416-480-2777
Or contact your local Canadian Red Cross office.
