A practical guide to searching for a missing person

What to do immediately

Someone you know is missing. Time is of the essence and efficiency is crucial. Here are some things to do right now.

Report the person as missing Write down everything you know Get people to help you Make a poster

First week

There will be constraints like time, money and skills. Be realistic about how much you are able to take on and delegate where you can.

Use volunteers Think about social media Consider hiring a private investigator Contact the media

First month

There are lots of ways of communicating your urgency. Try to stay positive – more than 95% of missing Australians are found within a month.

Reestablish contact with media Create new print materials Grow the web presence Start managing their affairs Consider holding a ground search

Longer term

A long-term search for a missing person is tough. It’s a type of grief very few can understand, but there are people and resources that can help.

Expand the search Have an age progression image made Get your loved one on the AFP’s register Apply to have an inquest opened

Lost contact vs missing

International cases

Emotional support

Need more help?

Explore by topic View checklist