It can be something of a shock for a birth parent or relative to be contacted without any prior warning or preparation, especially if you are hopeful of a reunion taking place.  Therefore, we would also offer counselling to your birth parent to assist them with the decision as to how to respond to your request.  It may be that they would wish to correspond with you for a period of time prior to a meeting. Birth parents may have gone on to have other children and they may need to prepare their partner and children for the news that they intend to arrange a reunion with you.  Some birth parents may wish to have a significant period of preparation prior to a reunion in order to prepare themselves and their family, dependent upon their own family circumstances.