SOS. Search Opt ons & Support a Gu de for the fam l es and ... · • a clear and recent photograph of the m ss ng person; • a complete descr pt on of the person nclud ng any d

SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple �

n at i O n a l m i S S i n G p e r S O n S cO O r d i n at i O n c e n t r e

SOS. Search Opt�ons & Support

a Gu�de for the fam�l�es and fr�ends of m�ss�ng people

�� SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

th�s booklet has been prepared by the nat�onal m�ss�ng persons coord�nat�on centre �n consultat�on w�th the fam�l�es and fr�ends of m�ss�ng people, pol�ce, trac�ng organ�sat�ons and support groups to prov�de the best poss�ble pract�cal adv�ce and useful �nformat�on.


table of contents

report 2

Where to start 3

Work�ng w�th your case officer 4

help�ng w�th the search 7

pract�cal matters 8

essent�al personal checkl�st 9

Your health and welfare �0

austral�ans m�ss�ng overseas �2

Work�ng w�th the med�a �4

Support serv�ces �7

trac�ng organ�sat�ons �8

Support groups and counsell�ng �9

legal 20

Your personal thoughts 2�

personal records 22

poster template

2 SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

report

You may l�ke to complete the follow�ng �nformat�on. it w�ll help you recall the deta�ls prov�ded to pol�ce or a trac�ng organ�sat�on when you first reported your relat�ve or fr�end m�ss�ng.

aGe: heiGht: date Of Birth:

laSt knOWn addreSS:

laSt cOntact:

date repOrted miSSinG:

name Of perSOn WhO filed repOrt:

pOlice StatiOn/tracinG OrGaniSatiOn repOrted tO:

name Of pOlice Officer/caSe Officer

pOlice/tracinG OrGaniSatiOn cOntact detailS

addreSS:

phOne: fax:

e-mail:

caSe numBer/reference numBer:

caSe/file name:

anY Other relevant infOrmatiOn:

3

Where to start

Someone close to you �s m�ss�ng. r�ght now, you are probably exper�enc�ng a range of emot�ons and are unsure about what you should do to help find the person or where to turn for support.

understandably, �t �s a confus�ng and h�ghly d�stress�ng t�me.

th�s booklet has been prepared by the nat�onal m�ss�ng persons un�t �n consultat�on w�th the fam�ly and fr�ends of m�ss�ng people, pol�ce, search agenc�es and support groups to prov�de you w�th the best poss�ble pract�cal adv�ce and useful �nformat�on.

there are also pages to record your personal thoughts should you w�sh to do so and a sect�on to keep records on any search �n�t�at�ves you may dec�de to undertake.

You w�ll also find �ns�de quotes of encouragement and reflect�on.

many of them are from people, just l�ke you, who may be search�ng for a m�ss�ng person or carry�ng on w�th l�fe desp�te an unresolved separat�on from a relat�ve or fr�end.

You may l�ke to start collect�ng �nsp�rat�onal quotes and use the journal sect�on of th�s gu�de to record them.

it may help to know that most people reported m�ss�ng �n austral�a are found – often w�th�n just a few days.

Whatever your needs at th�s part�cular t�me, the follow�ng pages a�m to prov�de you w�th both gu�dance and comfort.


Work�ng W�th Your case Officer

By now, you w�ll probably have filed a m�ss�ng person’s report w�th pol�ce or a search agency such as, the Salvat�on army, austral�an red cross or the internat�onal Soc�al Serv�ce.

You may now be ask�ng yourself, “Where to from here?”

many fam�l�es of m�ss�ng people say they want to be act�vely �nvolved �n the search process but often don’t know what they should do.

One of the most essent�al steps �s to supply your case officer w�th deta�led and relevant �nformat�on.

try not to be concerned about d�scuss�ng �nt�mate or pr�vate deta�ls regard�ng the m�ss�ng person or the�r l�festyle. any �nformat�on prov�ded to your case officer w�ll be treated as str�ctly confident�al.

Wh�le your case officer can gu�de you through th�s process, the follow�ng l�st w�ll prov�de you w�th a useful rem�nder about the type of �nformat�on requ�red.

You may w�sh to mark off the act�v�t�es l�sted below as you complete them.

d�scuss:

• any behav�oural changes, personal, med�cal or emot�onal problems your relat�ve or fr�end may have exper�enced before they went m�ss�ng.

• if the person has been reported m�ss�ng before and prov�de deta�ls of the c�rcumstances, �nclud�ng where they were found.

• Where and when was the person last seen? Were they alone? Were they go�ng to meet someone? Where were they headed?


Supply Spec�fic deta�ls

• the person’s full name and any al�ases they may use;

• the person’s place and date of b�rth;

• car reg�strat�on number, make, model or any other transport the person may be us�ng, such as a motorb�ke or b�cycle;

• School deta�ls �f the m�ss�ng person �s a ch�ld or young person;

• Bank, cred�t card or other financ�al accounts, such as centrel�nk, used by the m�ss�ng person;

• a clear and recent photograph of the m�ss�ng person;

• a complete descr�pt�on of the person �nclud�ng any d�st�ngu�sh�ng features such as tattoos, b�rth marks, scars or favour�te jewellery they may be wear�ng;

• name of the m�ss�ng person’s doctor, dent�st and any other med�cal pract�t�oner;

• med�cat�on the person may use and what �t �s used to treat. also prov�de �nformat�on about any �llegal drug use;

• a l�st of the m�ss�ng person’s fr�ends and bus�ness assoc�ates, �nclud�ng addresses and telephone numbers.

conduct Your Own Search

• check �f cloth�ng, food, camp�ng equ�pment, wallet, handbag, su�tcase, jewellery, mob�le phone, passport or other �tems are m�ss�ng from the person’s home.

• look through the m�ss�ng person’s d�ary, address book, br�efcase, school bag, favour�te book, magaz�nes and other belong�ngs to check for �nformat�on they may have recorded or h�ghl�ghted. th�s could �nd�cate �f they planned to leave.

• Search places the m�ss�ng person l�ked to v�s�t or where they may have gone such as: shopp�ng centres, hotels, parks, ra�lway or bus stat�ons, food outlets or amusement arcades.

� SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

talk to others

• contact the m�ss�ng person’s former and current fr�ends, colleagues and all known relat�ves. check when they last had contact w�th the persons or �f they have any �nformat�on that could be of ass�stance.

• ma�nta�n regular contact w�th these people. they may come across �nformat�on that could help locate the m�ss�ng person.

• check w�th local tax�, tra�n, tram, ferry and bus serv�ces. if your m�ss�ng person suffers a mental �llness they may have wandered from home and travelled on publ�c transport.

keep records

• if deal�ng w�th pol�ce wr�te down the name, rank, stat�on, phone and fax numbers of the officer tak�ng your m�ss�ng person’s report.

• keep deta�ls of all the organ�sat�ons you contact for help �nclud�ng support serv�ces or profess�onal pract�t�oners.

• record spec�fic deta�ls of any �nqu�r�es you conduct and people you speak to. (the record sect�on of th�s gu�de can be used for th�s purpose).

Stay in touch

• do not hes�tate to contact your pol�ce officer or search agency �f you th�nk of, or find, any p�ece of �nformat�on that may be helpful �n locat�ng the m�ss�ng person.

• update your case officer regularly about the progress of any �nqu�r�es you make.

• not�fy the pol�ce or search agency �mmed�ately �f your m�ss�ng person returns home safely or makes contact w�th any fam�ly members or fr�ends.

SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple 7

help�ng W�th the Search

many fam�l�es and fr�ends of m�ss�ng people say they ga�n a sense of control, d�rect�on and purpose by “keep�ng busy”.

the follow�ng suggest�ons are useful �f you w�sh to be more act�vely �nvolved �n the search process.

it �s strongly recommended to check w�th pol�ce or your trac�ng organ�sat�on before you undertake any of the suggested act�v�t�es and �nform them of your progress.

photographs• have mult�ple photos of the person pr�nted for d�str�but�on to the med�a,

�nclus�on on posters and for other publ�c�ty purposes.

• (refer to Work�ng w�th the med�a sect�on and poster gu�del�nes).

• photos should preferably be recent, clear and �n colour.

posters• have posters made featur�ng the m�ss�ng person. it �s strongly adv�sable to only d�splay

a pol�ce or trac�ng organ�sat�on contact number, not your own pr�vate or mob�le phone numbers. (See poster template and gu�del�nes).

• approach local commun�ty groups to help d�str�bute posters.

• keep a l�st of where posters are d�str�buted and where they are d�splayed to avo�d dupl�cat�on.

• cons�der d�splay�ng posters �n areas such as: shopp�ng centres; bus stops and ra�lway stat�ons; at local sport�ng and enterta�nment venues; l�brar�es; local counc�ls; clubs and commun�ty centres.

Spread the Word• leave a descr�pt�on of the m�ss�ng person w�th local tax� and bus serv�ces.

ask them to contact your case officer �f they rece�ve any �nformat�on.

• talk to pol�ce or your search agency about mak�ng a publ�c appeal v�a the med�a. (refer to Work�ng w�th the med�a sect�on).


pract�cal matters

Wh�le �nqu�r�es are be�ng carr�ed out, there are several jobs that you may need to take care of on behalf of your m�ss�ng relat�ve or fr�end.

Some of these suggest�ons m�ght not apply to your s�tuat�on at th�s part�cular t�me but could be useful at a later stage.

inform the necessary people

• not�fy the m�ss�ng person’s employer, school, club or bus�ness assoc�ates.

• try and cancel any soc�al engagements, bus�ness appo�ntments or travel plans the m�ss�ng person may have scheduled �n the near future.

personal property

• if the m�ss�ng person l�ves alone, arrange for someone to collect the�r ma�l and attend to the upkeep of the�r property.

• have someone take care of the m�ss�ng person’s pets �f they have any.

• if someone w�ll be dr�v�ng the m�ss�ng person’s car, make sure they have adequate �nsurance and the author�ty to make a cla�m.

f�nances

• arrange for payment of the m�ss�ng person’s mortgage, rent, b�lls or other financ�al obl�gat�ons.

• ask your case officer �f the m�ss�ng person’s bank account(s) should be closed. in some cases, pol�ce or trac�ng organ�sat�ons may elect to keep them open for mon�tor�ng.

legal issues

• if your relat�ve or fr�end �s m�ss�ng for an extended per�od, you may need to seek legal adv�ce about matters such as l�fe �nsurance, superannuat�on, w�ll, trust funds and what can be done w�th personal property such as the�r house or car.


essent�al personal checkl�st

there �s probably a lot go�ng on around you and �t may be d�fficult to ma�nta�n your usual rout�ne or th�nk clearly.

people who have shared s�m�lar exper�ences have helped comp�le the follow�ng checkl�st to h�ghl�ght some of the more personal pract�cal matters you may need to handle.

Your Work

• adv�se your employer of the s�tuat�on and d�scuss the poss�b�l�ty of t�me off work �f requ�red.

Your f�nances• Speak to your bank manager or financ�al adv�ser �f you th�nk you w�ll requ�re extra

funds to help cover mortgage payments, rent, b�ll or any unexpected travel or personal expenses.

• arrange for a close fr�end, colleague or relat�ve to keep track of your b�lls or other comm�tments you m�ght not be able to attend to.

Your home l�fe• arrange for someone to stay at your home �n case the m�ss�ng person tr�es to make

contact. if th�s �s not pract�cal, or the person �s m�ss�ng for a long per�od of t�me, an answer�ng mach�ne or mob�le telephone are alternat�ves.

• inform your ne�ghbours that there may be a pol�ce and/or med�a presence at your house.

• arrange for a group of relat�ves or fr�ends to take care of chores l�ke clean�ng, wash�ng, �ron�ng or prepar�ng meals �f you are unable to attend to these jobs.

• have someone you trust take your ch�ldren to and from school �f search comm�tments or appo�ntments do not allow you to do so.

Your pr�vacy• it �s not a good �dea to publ�c�se your pr�vate telephone or mob�le phone numbers. th�s

could lead to troublemakers or unscrupulous people try�ng to take advantage of your s�tuat�on.

• fam�l�es of m�ss�ng people are often contacted by psych�cs and cla�rvoyants. Wh�le some may be genu�nely try�ng to help, don’t feel obl�ged to deal w�th them. You can take the�r deta�ls �f you w�sh or, preferably, ask them to contact your case officer.

�0 SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

Your health and Welfare

fam�l�es and fr�ends of m�ss�ng people often report common feel�ngs of fear, anger, gu�lt, blame, frustrat�on, sorrow, gr�ef and �solat�on.

Wh�le you may not exper�ence all these react�ons, �t may help to know that they are normal responses to the events you are exper�enc�ng. the follow�ng �nformat�on offers some suggest�ons wh�ch others have found helpful to cope emot�onally and phys�cally.

Your emot�ons

• cry�ng, sleeplessness, bad dreams, mood�ness, confus�on, lack of appet�te, loss of concentrat�on, low tolerance and angry outbursts are all normal react�ons when someone �s m�ss�ng.

commun�cat�ng W�th Others

• talk to people about your s�tuat�on and express your needs clearly and honestly w�th fam�ly, fr�ends and colleagues.

• G�ve yourself perm�ss�on to feel hurt, upset, angry, frustrated or sad. express such feel�ngs to a trusted fr�end, relat�ve, counsellor or confidante.

• contact cr�s�s counsell�ng serv�ces or seek profess�onal ass�stance should you requ�re support. (refer to Support Serv�ces sect�on).

tak�ng care Of each Other

• cons�der ask�ng a favour�te aunt, uncle or close fr�end to keep an eye on younger fam�ly members �f a close relat�ve �s m�ss�ng. ch�ldren and teenagers w�ll need to talk the�r feel�ngs through, but could be afra�d of upsett�ng the�r parents – espec�ally �f a s�bl�ng �s m�ss�ng.

• ch�ldren often show feel�ngs through the�r behav�our �n t�mes of stress. allow young people to talk openly and try to avo�d judg�ng the�r behav�our.

SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple ��

• try not to get angry or upset w�th fr�ends or fam�ly members who you feel may not share or understand your emot�ons. responses to stress, gr�ef and loss may vary s�gn�ficantly from person to person.

• arrange for a group of fr�ends, ne�ghbours, relat�ves or colleagues to help you keep up w�th day-to-day act�v�t�es. d�v�de jobs between you and share respons�b�l�t�es.

keep�ng Well

• try and keep your d�et healthy and well balanced. if you don’t feel up to cook�ng, or s�mply run out of t�me, have a relat�ve or fr�end prepare meals.

• do th�ngs that make you feel good. take a walk, see a mov�e, work �n your garden, have a massage, take a long bath or l�sten to your favour�te mus�c. anyth�ng that g�ves you a sense of comfort.

• try not to feel self consc�ous, or gu�lty, for tak�ng t�me out. look�ng after yourself �s an �mportant factor �n cop�ng wh�le someone �s m�ss�ng.

One day at a t�me

• try not to make any b�g l�fe changes. Your judgement at the moment may be affected.

• try to �nclude some of your normal rout�ne �n your da�ly schedule. if you usually meet w�th fr�ends or play sport once a week, try to keep these plans.

profess�onal help

• do not hes�tate to contact a support group, a tra�ned counsellor, doctor, natural therapy pract�t�oner or other qual�fied profess�onal �f you need support on an ongo�ng bas�s.

• if you are unsure where to seek support, please don’t hes�tate to ask your case officer for a referral.

• if your m�ss�ng person returns home, cons�der obta�n�ng profess�onal counsell�ng, med�at�on or reconc�l�at�on support to help prevent the s�tuat�on recurr�ng.


austral�ans m�ss�ng Overseas

if you have concerns for a relat�ve m�ss�ng overseas, you may have made some prel�m�nary �nqu�r�es w�th the department of fore�gn affa�rs and trade (dfat).

the department has a consular Operat�ons Sect�on respons�ble for the protect�on and welfare of austral�ans travell�ng or l�v�ng abroad.

if you haven’t done so already, you may now be asked to complete a m�ss�ng person’s report w�th your local pol�ce. th�s �nformat�on w�ll then be forwarded onto interpol canberra request�ng ass�stance �n locat�ng the m�ss�ng person overseas.

You may find the austral�an red cross internat�onal trac�ng and refugee Serv�ces, the Salvat�on army fam�ly trac�ng Serv�ce or the internat�onal Soc�al Serv�ce w�ll also be of ass�stance.

these organ�sat�ons may not requ�re the same �nformat�on that pol�ce need to start a search so �f you are unsure, please don’t hes�tate to check w�th your case officer.

to help start a search overseas, you may be asked to prov�de:

personal deta�ls

• full name of the m�ss�ng person, �nclud�ng any al�ases they may use;

• place and date of b�rth;

• any dual nat�onal�ty deta�ls;

• a recent and clear photograph of the person;

• a deta�led descr�pt�on of the person, �nclud�ng any d�st�ngu�sh�ng features such as scars or tattoos;

• informat�on about any med�cat�on the person may requ�re and what �t �s used to treat.

contact deta�ls

• Where and when the person was last heard from or seen;

• names of hotels and travel agenc�es;

• names of c�t�es or postal po�nts of letters or postcards;

• any poss�ble reasons as to why the person may have broken contact.

SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple �3

f�nanc�al deta�ls

• Bank account, cred�t card or travellers cheque deta�ls.

travel deta�ls

• the person’s passport and v�sa numbers;

• a�rcraft and fl�ght deta�ls;

• port of entry;

• Styles and colours of cloth�ng and baggage;

• a l�st of possess�ons the person took w�th them;

• informat�on about any known travel plans and compan�ons.

add�t�onal act�v�t�es

• ask for news from the fam�l�es of people who may have been travell�ng w�th the m�ss�ng person.

• determ�ne when fr�ends, colleagues and other relat�ves last had contact w�th the m�ss�ng person. check �f they have rece�ved ma�l or telephone calls.

• Wr�te to the m�ss�ng person’s last known address ask�ng for �nformat�on about any travel plans or travell�ng compan�ons they may have ment�oned.

• d�scuss w�th your case officer the poss�b�l�ty of plac�ng an alert w�th the m�ss�ng person’s banks and cred�t card compan�es.

ma�nta�n�ng contact w�th pol�ce or your trac�ng organ�sat�on �s an �mportant factor �n any m�ss�ng person’s �nvest�gat�on.

remember:

• do not hes�tate to contact your case officer �f you th�nk of, or find, any p�ece of �nformat�on that may be helpful �n locat�ng the m�ss�ng person.

• update your case officer about the progress of any �nqu�r�es you make.

• not�fy your case officer �mmed�ately �f the m�ss�ng person returns home safely or makes contact w�th any fam�ly members or fr�ends.


Work�ng W�th the med�a

pol�ce or trac�ng organ�sat�ons w�ll often ask med�a outlets to pr�nt or broadcast deta�ls about a m�ss�ng person �n an effort to obta�n valuable �nformat�on from the publ�c.

deal�ng w�th the med�a for the first t�me can be confront�ng. hand�ng over cher�shed photos or other personal �tems for publ�c�ty purposes can also be an emot�onally d�fficult dec�s�on.

the nat�onal m�ss�ng persons coord�nat�on centre, w�th the austral�an federal pol�ce, has a webs�te that fam�l�es can request the�r case officer to d�splay a photograph and �nformat�on about the�r m�ss�ng person.

remember; always consult your case officer before approach�ng the med�a.

the follow�ng gu�del�nes prov�de suggest�ons to help you work �n cooperat�on w�th journal�sts, photographers and camera crews.

dec�d�ng to make a publ�c appeal

if you would l�ke to �nvolve the med�a, the first step �s to talk to pol�ce or your trac�ng organ�sat�on.

You should not expect your case officer to �mmed�ately turn to the med�a for help unless the m�ss�ng person has an urgent med�al need or there are grave concerns for the�r safety.

What the med�a W�ll requ�re

the med�a w�ll need bas�c �nformat�on about the m�ss�ng person such as the�r name, age, a phys�cal descr�pt�on and the�r last known whereabouts.

th�s �nformat�on can be suppl�ed v�a a press release, usually prepared by pol�ce or a trac�ng organ�sat�on and d�str�buted to telev�s�on, rad�o and newspapers.

if you have already prov�ded a photograph, and release perm�ss�on, th�s may also be offered for publ�cat�on or broadcast.

photos should be recent, as clear as poss�ble and preferably �n colour. Some med�a outlets may cons�der broadcast�ng home v�deo footage of the m�ss�ng person.

SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple ��

Who Should talk to the med�a

You may find you are too overwhelmed w�th emot�on to answer quest�ons form journal�sts about your m�ss�ng relat�ve or fr�end.

it may be helpful to appo�nt a relat�ve or close fr�end to act as a fam�ly spokesperson.

alternat�vely, you can ask your case officer to prov�de someone to br�ef the med�a.

it �s often helpful �f you have a pol�ce or trac�ng organ�sat�on representat�ve w�th you �f you are be�ng �nterv�ewed by the med�a. they may be able to prov�de add�t�onal �nformat�on or step �n �f you are unable to cont�nue.

What You Should tell the med�a

if you dec�de to go ahead w�th an �nterv�ew, prepare thoroughly. talk to your case officer about the type of �nformat�on you should and should not d�scuss about the m�ss�ng person.

in some s�tuat�ons, pol�ce or trac�ng organ�sat�ons may w�sh to keep part�cular deta�ls out of the publ�c arena. reveal�ng certa�n �nformat�on could �nadvertently h�nder an �nvest�gat�on.

You may w�sh to read a prepared statement and not answer quest�ons rather than be �nterv�ewed.

W�ll the med�a run Your Story

Once you have prov�ded the med�a w�th a statement or an �nterv�ew, there �s no guarantee they w�ll run a story.

Your story �s one of many news �tems that come across an ed�tor’s or news d�rector’s desk every day. Somet�mes, another story may be cons�dered more s�gn�ficant.

it �s adv�sable not to argue w�th journal�sts �f they don’t run your story. You may need the�r ass�stance at another t�me.

�� SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

deal�ng W�th the med�a at Your home

there may be occas�ons when the med�a approaches you at home to ask for an �nterv�ew or for photographs.

You do not have to �nv�te the med�a �ns�de your home �f you are uncomfortable or prefer to ma�nta�n your pr�vacy.

if you have already prov�ded pol�ce or your trac�ng organ�sat�on w�th photographs, v�deo tapes or any other �tems �t �s best to d�rect med�a representat�ves to them.

take care not to g�ve or�g�nal photos or any other valuable or prec�ous �tems to the med�a. there �s no guarantee they w�ll be returned.

it �s always a good �dea to contact your case officer for adv�ce before you part�c�pate �n an �nterv�ew at home.

deal�ng W�th intrus�ve med�a

if members of the med�a are be�ng overly �ntrus�ve or d�srupt�ve, request that they respect your pr�vacy.

if th�s fa�ls, you should not hes�tate to d�scuss any problems w�th your case officer.

they may be able to l�a�se w�th journal�sts, ed�tors or ch�efs-of-staff about your pr�vacy w�shes.


Support Serv�ces

the follow�ng organ�sat�ons w�ll be helpful �n prov�d�ng you w�th the support, gu�dance or search serv�ces you requ�re > cons�der also us�ng your local telephone d�rectory, the �nternet or personal referrals to find other useful contacts. > Some agenc�es may requ�re a fee. it �s a good �dea to check before your enl�st the�r serv�ces.

natiOnal miSSinG perSOnS cOOrdinatiOn centre (nmpcc)

nmpcc Based �n canberra w�th the austral�an federal pol�ce, the centre works w�th pol�ce and commun�ty groups to ensure there �s a nat�onal approach to locat�ng m�ss�ng people. it does not conduct �nd�v�dual �nvest�gat�ons.

refer to nmpcc �nternet webs�te www.m�ss�ngpersons.gov.au (toll free) �800 000 �34

pOlice

pOlice miSSinG perSOnS unitS

conduct searches for m�ss�ng people and carry out assoc�ated �nvest�gat�ons. Only one m�ss�ng person’s report should be filed w�th pol�ce �n your State or terr�tory. Searches w�ll then be coord�nated on a nat�onal bas�s where requ�red.

act (02) �2�� 7�8�

new South Wales (toll free) �800 02� 09�

v�ctor�a (toll free) �800 808 �0� (03) 98�� 2828

Queensland (07) 33�4 �2�3 or (toll free Qld only) �800 0�7 744

South austral�a (08) 8�73 �392

Western austral�a (08) 9223 3��

northern terr�tory (08) 8922 3�0�

tasman�a (03) �230 2373


tracinG OrGaniSatiOnS

auStralian red crOSS internatiOnal tracinG and refuGee ServiceS

conducts worldw�de searches through the internat�onal red cross/crescent movement �n approx�mately �77 countr�es.

for deta�ls of your nearest red cross Office refer to your local

telephone d�rectory. www.redcross.org.au

department Of fOreiGn affairS and trade (dfat)

prov�des adv�ce and ass�stance where there are ser�ous concerns for the safety and welfare of austral�ans overseas.

(toll free) �300 �� 3�

internatiOnal SOcial Service auStralia

helps trace fam�ly members separated by adopt�on or other legal �ntervent�on, �nternat�onal ch�ld abduct�on and voluntary or forced m�grat�on.

(03) 9��4 87�� (02) 92�7 0300

link up prov�des reun�on serv�ces to adult abor�g�nals separated from the�r fam�l�es and cultures by government �ntervent�on pol�c�es such as adopt�on, foster�ng or �nst�tut�onal�sat�on.

(toll free) �800 �24 332

SalvatiOn armY familY tracinG Service (SaftS) (refer to telephone d�rectory for branches �n your State or terr�tory)

Operates a worldw�de search network for m�ss�ng fam�ly member’s aged over �8. also prov�des a serv�ce (nSW Only) for people separated by government �ntervent�on.

www.salvos.org.au

Support Serv�ces > trac�ng Organ�sat�ons

SuppOrt GrOupS and cOunSellinG

nSW attOrneY General’S department

familieS and friendS Of miSSinG perSOnS cOunSellinG Service free and confident�al counsell�ng serv�ce

9.00am – �.00pm monday to fr�day

(02) 8�88 �423 (toll free)�800 227 772

www.lawl�nk.nsw.gov.au/vs

alZheimerS aSSOciatiOn a confident support serv�ce for �nd�v�duals, fam�l�es and fr�ends affected by dement�a

(toll free) �800 �00 �00

criSiS cOunSellinG (General) check �n your telephone d�rectory for local cr�s�s counsell�ng serv�ces ava�lable �n your State or terr�tory.

kidS help line tra�ned counsellors prov�de a 24-hour, confident�al, nat�onal telephone counsell�ng serv�ce for austral�ans aged five to �8 years of age.

(toll free) �800 �� 800

Support Serv�ces > Support Groups and counsell�ng



lifeline a nat�onal, 24-hour telephone counsell�ng and referral serv�ce, for the cost of a local call you w�ll be connected to your nearest centre.

�3 ��4

Sane austral�a

Beyond Blue

a nat�onal char�ty work�ng for a better l�fe for people affected by mental �llness.

prov�des a nat�onal focus & commun�ty leadersh�p to prevent depress�on wh�lst respond�ng effect�verly to mental �llness amongs the populat�on

(nat�onal) (toll free) �800 �87 2�3

�300 224 �3�

parent help lineS (refer to local telephone d�rectory) a telephone counsell�ng serv�ce �n all States. not ava�lable �n the northern terr�tory. hours of operat�on vary.

SalvO care line a 24-hour telephone counsell�ng and referral serv�ce

(Qld, nSW, act)

(Wa).

(02) 933� �000

�300 3�3 �22

(08) 9442 �777

WaYSide chapel Operates Shepherds of the Street. a Sydney-based program that helps search for m�ss�ng people, espec�ally teenage runaways.

the program can be contacted . (02) 93�8 ��77

leGal

leGal ServiceS (General) refer to your telephone d�rectory to find law assoc�at�ons or soc�et�es �n your State or terr�tory that can prov�de you w�th referrals to reg�stered legal pract�t�oners.

Support Serv�ces > Support Groups and counsell�ng cont. > legal

record your personal thoughts

SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple 2�

22 SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple22 SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

Shar�ng w�th others “i can’t stress enough the �m-portance of mak�ng contact w�th others. Some-t�mes you just need to offload all your emot�on and fears on someone who understands”

One Step at a t�me “every day i get up, i take a breath and i put one foot �n front of the other. i understand that some days i’m go�ng to do �t well. Others aren’t so great.”

understand�ng the s�tuat�on “after mak�ng what can be hundreds of �nqu�r�es, �t �s reward�ng to locate a m�ss�ng person or at least have an under-stand�ng of what has happened to them.”

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confide “Some fam�l�es are unw�ll�ng to d�scuss pr�vate aspects of the m�ss�ng person’s l�fe. th�s can be very frustrat�ng when we are try�ng to assess a case and start a search. people should prov�de as much �nformat�on as poss�ble from the outset.”

record “Wr�t�ng down everyth�ng i d�d and eve-ryone i spoke to was really helpful. it gave me a record and also helped jolt my memory about per-sonal deta�ls i had forgotten or new p�eces of �nfor-mat�on”

keep ask�ng “if there’s anyth�ng you’re not sure of or you don’t understand what’s go�ng on, just ask. the pol�ce d�dn’t th�nk any less of me for s�mply ask�ng quest�ons.”


2� SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple2� SOS. Search OptiOnS & SuppOrt a Guide fOr the familieS and friendS Of miSSinG peOple

l�fe chang�ng “it �s very sat�sfy�ng when we can help people who have been separated for a long per�od of a t�me. it can also be h�ghly emot�onal as fam�ly reun�ons are often l�fe chang�ng exper�-ences.”

emot�ons “One day i actually acknowledged my sadness and gave myself perm�ss�on to feel that way. Somet�mes �t takes so much energy to fight off feel�ng, or keep them under control, that �t’s better just to let them wash over you.”

found “my son was found and when i talked to h�m about what everyone had done to try and find h�m, he couldn’t bel�eve how much concern he caused.”



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poster product�on gu�del�nes

• S�mply place a photograph of the m�ss�ng person �n the space �nd�cated on the poster template

• remove the template along the perforat�on and take �t to a pr�nter/copy�ng centre and have �t photocop�ed, �n colour or black and wh�te, at an a4 or larger s�ze.

• it �s strongly adv�sable to only d�splay a pol�ce or trac�ng organ�sat�on contact number, not your own pr�vate or mob�le phone numbers.

• approach local commun�ty groups to help d�str�bute posters

• keep a l�st of where posters are d�str�buted and where they are d�splayed to avo�d dupl�-cat�on.

• cons�der d�spaly�ng posters �n areas such as: shopp�ng centres; bus stops and ra�lway stat�ons; at local sport�ng and enterta�nment venues; l�brar�es; local counc�ls; clubs and commun�ty centres

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Documents

SOS. Search Opt ons & Support a Gu de for the fam l es and ... · • a clear and recent photograph of the m ss ng person; • a complete descr pt on of the person nclud ng any d