Services for families and friends of missing persons

When someone goes missing, accessing the right support and information is critical. This page outlines a range of services designed to support family members and friends of missing persons. These services can help you throughout the entire process, from the initial search to the period after a missing person has been found. 

Reporting a missing person 

In NSW

If you have concerns for the safety or welfare of a person who is missing, you can make a report at your local police station immediately. There is no need to wait 24 hours before making a report.

To learn more, visit NSW Police Force website.

Interstate

If the person went missing outside of NSW, you can also report this to your local police station.

Overseas

If an Australian is missing overseas or if you live overseas and are concerned about someone missing in Australia, please report them missing at your local police station. 

The report will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who will coordinate the investigation into the missing person.

To learn more, visit the Australian Federal Police website.

Missing persons registries

Several registries are available to provide information about missing persons:

• NSW Police Force Missing Persons Registry: coordinates missing persons investigations across NSW and maintains the Missing Persons Enquiry System. 
• National Missing Persons Coordination Centre: hosts an Australian Public Register where the person has been missing for more than 3 months. 
• Australian Missing Persons Register: raises awareness and provides information about missing persons from every state and territory in Australia. 

Finding family and friends

Various organisations offer services to help find missing family members:

• Australian Red Cross: assists in finding family members missing as a result of war, disaster or migration.
• International Social Service Australia: helps find family members separated by adoption or other legal intervention, international child abduction and voluntary or forced migration. 
• Link-Up (NSW): offers reunion services for adult Aboriginal people separated from their families 
• NSW Government Family History Search: provides free access to NSW records of births, marriages and deaths dating back to 1788.
• The National Library of Australia: offers access to multiple search options and records from across Australia.
• The Missed Foundation: creates awareness for missing people and provides practical support to their families and friends.

Managing financial affairs 

When someone is missing, it can be difficult to manage their property and finances. Section 54 of the  NSW Trustee and Guardian Act 2009 allows for an application to be made to the Supreme Court after a person has been missing for at least 90 days.

To learn more, visit the NSW Trustee and Guardian website. You can also contact LawAccess NSW for assistance with your application.

Coronial information

If you have questions about the progress of a missing person’s investigation with the Coroner’s Court, contact the police officer in charge of the case. For more information, contact the Coroners Court of NSW.