Advice

Once you have registered your details on the Fathers Reunited website and you are contacted by e-mail (via the site) from a lost relative, you are strongly urged to read this advice before making further contact with your lost relative:-

1) Never give out your e-mail address, telephone number or home address unless you are completely happy to do this.

2) If you do arrange to meet up with your relative, consider the following points:

Do you feel happier meeting him/her in a public or private place? Maybe a neutral place like a pub, restaurant, railway station or park might be a safe public place? If you do go to someone’s home, let someone else know where you are going and how long you expect to be. Keep a mobile phone with you.

3) Would you feel happier bringing a friend along? Maybe they could stay for the first part of your meeting and then if you feel happier being alone, they could wait outside for you.

4) If your lost relative lives a long way away from your home, build up a relationship first by e-mail, letter or telephone. If you do go to another town to visit your relative, take someone along with you for both moral support and protection.

Advice if you are adopted