International Services

Getting Help: International Services~Restoring Family Links
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.  Red Cross tracing services and Red Cross Messages help families locate each other, send communication and learn each other's fate. Often these services, which are conducted between people living in the United States and their relatives living in foreign countries, may be required for several years.


American Red Cross International Family Tracing Services accepts tracing cases 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 American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center accepts tracing requests concerning European civilians separated from their family due to the events of World War II and its aftermath, 1933-1957.


What we will need to know to be able to help:

  • Your full name and address
  • Your relationship to the person sought
  • The reason for loss of contact
  • The reason for your inquiry
  • About the person you are trying to trace:
  • Full name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality
  • Last known address
  • Date and circumstances of last news


The American Red Cross cannot accept requests when there is insufficient information to conduct a search; or when it is for genealogical research; or tracing regarding legal matters such as wills, child custody etc.; or the tracing of birth parents or third party requests.


To begin your search please contact the Mid-Dakota Chapter at 701-852-2828.