| sample contact letters |
| You may decide to send your letter by registered mail or by courier to ensure delivery but keep in mind that such a delivery draws attention to itself. Give some thought to addressing it to the individual at their place of business if you know it. If you decide to send it to the place of business, mark the envelope as "Personal & Confidential." Also, a hand written letter is more personal then a typed one. Don't forget to include a way for them to get back in touch with you. A self-addressed stamped envelope is recommended and/or giving your phone number(s). Intermediaries may use the same method for either a phone call or letter. Simply state you are calling/writing "on behalf of a friend" pertaining to personal and confidential matter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letter Example #1 : good example if you don't have much non-id information to work with and you are not very confident this is the right person/family you are sending it to (Date it) Dear ________, My name is (current first and last name). I was born on (your birth date) in (your birth place, including hospital, city, county). I am trying to research my family tree. My mother's last name was (your surname at birth if you know it), and I wondered if you might be of any relation. I would be extremely interested in any family tree information that you could send to me. I have enclosed a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your convenience in replying. Thank you very much! (Sign your name) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letter Example #2 : good example if you have your non-id, registered with the ADR and believe this to be the right person/family you are sending it to (Date it) Dear _______ I am writing to you concerning a very personal matter. I trust that you will keep this strictly confidential should this letter not apply to you. I am an adoptee who was born on _______ , in _______ Hospital, in the city of ________ , province of _______ , and my birth mother named me ____________. I have been discreetly searching for some information about myself and my origins, using public records. I have received my non-identifying information from ________ CAS. I am also registered with the Adoption Disclosure Registry [include the ADR phone number] should any of my birth family members be looking for me also. [insert "briefly" a discription of your birth family at the time of your birth. examples: birth mother's age, hobbies, siblings, parents, etc.; same for birth father and grandparents; keep this part brief as you don't want the letter too lengthy]. I am fully aware of what a painful and difficult decision my birth mother made, and have no desire to disrupt anyone's life. However, I do have a need to know more about my birth family. [insert "briefly" updated information at this point. examples: city you were raised in; how many siblings in adoptive family; education degree; employment; marital status; how many children you have, if any; end this paragraph stating your family is supportive in your search. Don't say anything negative about your adoption and don't send photographs - you could just satisfy the other person's needs to know about you.] Should any of this information sound familiar to you or you believe you have any information that could help me to complete my search, I hope that you will find it in your heart to get in touch with me. I have enclosed a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your convenience in replying. [include phone number if you wish to include it saying to call collect, in confidence, giving best time to call]. I look forward to hearing back from you either way. Thank you very much for your time in this matter. Yours truly, (Sign your name) |