Who we do and don't Trace
International Social Service only traces immediate family members who are overseas. This typically means children and parents, and includes the birth parent(s) of adult adoptees, and also the adult children of a parent who gave up a child for adoption.
ISS will normally provide a tracing service within the context of the work we undertake with children and families, with a special emphasis on people in vulnerable situations and children at risk.
For ISS to begin tracing, we require three minimum criteria:
1. The full name of the person being traced, as it would appear on official records;
2. Their date of birth; and
3. The last known address, as a place of residence, of the person being traced.
ISS cannot assist with tracing outside of immediate family and in unable to offer the following:
. genealogy assistance or assistance in developing a family tree;
. searching for extended family members such as aunts, uncles or cousins;
. matters relating to the recovery of maintence overseas; or
. domestic searching within Australia (the Salvation Army may be able to help - see Useful Links).
Fees and charges
ISS requests a contribution towards the costs of tracing. Tracing is a very time consuming task. The current fee is $330 (includes GST) full rate or $165 (includes GST) concession rate. The fee can be waived in certain cases of hardship. The fee is non-refundable.
The Next Steps
You could begin the tracing process yourself by searching for the persons name in the White Pages of the country of the last known place of residence. The easiest way to do this is by searching the Internet. You could also ask relatives and friends if they have any information about the person you are looking for, for example a place of birth, school they attended, place of employment etc.
If you know a place they may have worked, you could trying writing to them to ask them if they know of the person’s whereabouts.
Tracing someone can be about thinking laterally – there is no formula for finding someone and it is best that you try all possible avenues before coming to ISS or another agency for assistance in tracing.
If you are seeking assistance from International Social Service, please feel free to call us on (03) 9614 8755 or toll free on 1300 657 843, or if you live in NSW (02) 9267 0300. We will discuss the situation with you and advise you on possible avenues of assistance.
A Missing Person
If you are seriously worried about an Australian who is missing overseas who does not meet the ISS criteria above for tracing, you can contact the National Response Centre of the Australian Federal Police on 1800 813 784. Alternatively if you have serious concerns for the safety and welfare of an Australian overseas you can contact the Consular Emergency Centre of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1300 555 135 (cost of a local call), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More information on Tracing a Family Member: