A1. You do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. If you have concerns for the safety of a person and all usual methods of contact do not locate them, you will need to lodge a missing persons report in person at your local Police Station. If possible, take a current photo of the missing person, your identification and any other useful documents to assist in the search.

If you are concerned about a parental or family child adbuction, you need to contact the Famil law Court of Australia (1300 352 000).

Q2. My search is not urgent, so how do I start searching for a family member or friend when I don’t know where they are living now?

A.2. Go to the “How to Search” section of this website to see the suggestions made. If the separation was simply because you have lost their address, we suggest starting with that information. For example, if the person had a popular name and it is thirty years since you knew an address in Australia, you may need to check old Electoral Rolls and then work forward to the latest Roll, to be sure you find the right person. Double check the information with a White Pages search.

As a person goes through life, they leave ‘tracks’. These are in the form of electoral records, Internet profile, etc. Sometimes you are able to follow these tracks that sometimes lead right to the person’s door, while other times it is more difficult. Finding people can take a lot of detective work

If you do not have success, our Family Search Services may be able to help. Family_Tracing_Brochure_2011.pdf

If the separation was because of an adoption, or other intervention by a government agency, you will need to apply to the relevant authorities to get identifying information that will help in the search. You may need help from our Special Search Service. Special_Search_Brochure 08.pdf

Q3. How much time will it take to find the person I am looking for?

A3. There is no clear answer to this question. Our Family Tracing Service experience is that most searches only take a few months, but some can take less than one week. Other more complicated searches may take many years. Sometimes people might not want to be found and do not respond when we make contact, or, we just do not have enough identifying information to locate the correct person.

Q4. Should I use a Private Investigator to search for me to save time?

A4. It may be useful to use a professional genealogist if you are researching your family tree. If your search is urgent because you fear for the safety of the missing person, contact your local Police immediately. If it is not urgent we suggest a not-for-profit search agency, even though it may take some time to locate your loved one. A Private Investigator or Locator needs to cover business overheads as well as searching costs and this usually means a high cost to the person searching at an hourly rate. If you still decide to use a Private Investigator, we recommend that you have a clear agreement about cost limits before you sign a contract for the search.

Q5. How does the Family Tracing Service (FTS) search for people?

A5. Many of the search resources the FTS uses are confidential because we have agreed not to reveal any details about organisations that help us. All are legal resources. Most that are accessible to the public, are listed on the How to Search page.

Q6. Why doesn’t FTS look for people under 18?

A6. Children under 18 years of age are minors and searching for them would breach numerous regulations. Even if we did start a search, they rarely leave traceable tracks for us to follow until the person is 18 years of age.

The same issues prevent us searching on behalf of a person under 18 years of age. However, if you are under 18 and a ward of the state looking for birth family, you could approach the agency who supervises your placement to see if they are able to help you locate them. In NSW, this is the NSW Community Services. There are also Reconnect Programmes where some youth services may help you get in contact with your family if they are able to be located. It is suggested that you contact your nearest Youth Service or Welfare Agency for information on what services they are able to provide.

Q7. I have found the person myself, how should I approach them?

A7. Be discreet. Take it slowly. Pace yourself.

It may be a shock for them to learn that you have been searching.
They may not have known that you existed.
Short letters or emails that let them know why you want to have contact, and giving a little information about yourself without giving away your privacy, is a good way to begin. They then have the option to write back.
Do not give your whole life story in the first contact, especially if you have had a difficult time. The person may not want to have contact straight away. If you give them a little at a time, they will be able to digest the information at their own pace. It will also allow you both time to get to know the other person properly.
If they choose not to reply to you, respect their decision. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine if you did not want contact. What would you want them to do? If you are patient, they may change their mind.
If you suspect that the person may not want to have contact because of the circumstances of your separation, we suggest you use a search agency or intermediary to make the first contact.

Suggested reading and support services

Q8. What is the definition of "missing"?

A8. There are probably many ways to define a "missing" person. In Australia, the Police definition is: 'A missing person is anyone who has been reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and where there are concerns for the safety or concerns for the welfare of that person'.

Our definition is: 'Missing... is when you are concerned because you can't find someone'.

Q9. Why do people go “missing”?

A9. Some families and friends may be separated because of war or disasters. Some people may have addiction or mental health problems, including dementia. Others may have been separated after their parents were divorced. A great many people have lost contact because they have moved to another state or country and have lost contact information for families and friends.

Q10. What is the Federal Privacy Act?

A10. An Act to make provision to protect the privacy of individuals, and for related purposes. A copy of the Act may be obtained from the link. http://www.privacy.gov.au/law

Q11. I need to talk to someone about my missing loved one. Who can help?

A11. There is a counselling service dedicated to people dealing with the unresolved loss of a missing family member or friend. The counsellor for the Family & Friends of Missing Persons Unit (FFMPU) is in N.S.W. (02) 8688 5433, or 1800 227 772 (Toll free) or email on ffmpu@agd.nsw.gov.au. Other generalised counselling services may be available in your area.
Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22 and Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au offer 24 hour telephone counselling. See the Help List and Resources for support groups.

Q12. Why doesn’t the Family Tracing Service assist with genealogy searches?

A12. The Salvation Army Family Tracing Services have limited staff with high search case loads. We prefer to use our limited resources to help reunite living family members. There are suggestions in our "what can I do myself" section for family history searches.

Q13. I am a "missing person" to my family, but I do not want them to find me. What can I do?

A13. Protect your privacy and try not to publish anything that identifies you on-line. For example on MySpace. Ask to have a "silent" telephone number and Electorial Roll entry. Ask government agencies to keep your details private.

Q14. I have been located by Family Tracing but cannot decide if I will have contact with my family.

A14. Our Family Tracing Service will respect your privacy, and will not reveal where you are without your permission. You could open a hotmail or gmail account and have contact that way, or we will forward letters if you prefer. Some people we locate ask for a letter from their family to explain why the family is searching now.

If you reside in NSW or ACT regarding a search, please use the email below-

familytracingservicensw@aue.salvationarmy.org

(02) 9211 0277

FAQs

The Family Tracing Service (FTS) has attempted to answer some of the more commonly asked questions for you.

Related links

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