Search for the family of origin

The International Social Service (ISD) receives numerous inquiries asking them to search for the biological father or relatives. The search for the origin of adoptees also takes up a lot of space in the work of the ITS. As soon as adoptees start to deal with questions about their identity and parentage, they inevitably ask themselves the question "How do I get the information that will give me answers to my questions? Where can I get support?" “ We are mainly contacted by those affected whose father was stationed in Germany as a soldier in earlier years, lived and worked here as a migrant or was studying or training.

Characteristic of the activity in both areas is always the foreign connection, ie the cross-border search.

We deal exclusively with searches related to identity issues and the associated establishment of contact with the person sought, if they can be found. We do not help with the search for inheritance matters or for friends, schoolmates and work colleagues.

The specific support that can be provided depends on the data and information already available and on the particularities of the respective country. A prerequisite for a search is, if possible, the complete personal data of the person being searched for as well as background information on the reason for the search query and the current life situation of the person searching.

Before taking action, the ITS charges a one-off fee of €150, which is due regardless of the outcome of the investigation. If the search is extended to other people or another country, an additional fee of €50 will be charged. The flat rate does not include any translation costs that go beyond the necessary correspondence with our working partners. In various countries, there may also be on-site costs, for example for the procurement of certificates, etc.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept search queries where, in our opinion, there are no possibilities for investigation due to insufficient information on the searched item or a lack of cooperation opportunities in the country concerned.

More detailed information can be found in our information brochures .

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