General Chat

Just wondering if anyone has tried a Tracing Agency to try and trace a relative that
was adopted.

If anyone has

How much did it cost??

And did they find the relative??

I have been in touch with an agency and they have told me they want £399-00 up front then another £298-00 if they find him.

Does anyone think that is a lot of money to pay to an unknown agency that was on a TV programme about finding family.??

No experience, but try breaking down to an hourly rate.

Not only do they have to take a salary inc their own/employers contribution to NI and Income Tax but will also have basic overheads - power, equipment, Council Tax, Employee/Public Liabilty Insurance etc etc. That's even before they start to pay out fees (if there are any) themselves or purchase certificates etc.

I am trying to find out by asking somebody who might know if it is reasonable,

It might be an idea to try and get quotes from other agencies.

If Social Services could be involved, they may have a list of 'approved' agencies you could approach

If it's a siblng or half-sibling then Social Services will search for nothing. They did this successfully for a friend last year. The price quoted at the time for the same search by a private agency was £620. Social Services will only put you in contact with the adopted person if they wish it.

Annie

Hi,
It is the up front payment that I can't understand,,,,WHY SO MUCH,,,

It is a cousin that was adopted at birth more or less.he was registered by his mother 19 days after he was born and it says adopted on the right hand side.

So I presume she didn't want the other 2 older children seeing him.
Then she moved away with the other 2 children.

Will try Social Services and see what happens.

Thanks everyone.

PS Detective the place where the agency is is an old school building not that far from where I live.

I wouldn't care but the caller (phone) told me how they did the search which is a long winded route.

Social Services will not release any details to tracing agencies unless they are an gov aproved to work on behalf of them........these tracing agencies work is usually in entranged family members who have lost contact, just any agency can not have detailed information released to them. they cant for instance have access to NHS register,passport office.......

SS if contacted will suppy you with a specialised contact in an area most suited to the search.this is the most economical way.....and safest.

Social Services did this themselves liaising with Social Services where the adoption took place. They do warn that it can take a long time and an outside agency would probably be quicker - and more expensive.

Annie