Overview
The American Consulate assists Americans in cases of parental child abduction and missing persons where an American citizen has not arrived at a location on the scheduled date and time. Consular staff do not have the resources to assist in locating someone in the United States, or to assist people wishing to trace their ancestry.
Privacy Act
The provisions of the Privacy Act are designed to protect the privacy and rights of Americans, but occasionally they complicate our efforts to assist citizens abroad. As a rule, consular officers may not reveal information regarding an individual American’s location, welfare, intentions, or problems to anyone, including family members and Congressional representatives, without the expressed consent of that individual. Although sympathetic to the distress this can cause concerned families, consular officers must comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act.
The organizations listed below may be of assistance
Please note inclusion of an organization does not denote U.S. Government endorsement of that organization. Fees for service are solely a matter between the individual and organization used.
Missing Persons
- National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (phone 1800 000 634).
- Australian Red Cross Society — Assists in tracing and contacting family members separated as a result of war, civil disturbance, or natural disaster.
- Salvation Army — Australia & International
- National Personnel Records Center — Assists in tracing and contacting members of the U.S. Armed Forces. You may also find helpful information at the U.S. Defense Attache Office.
- U.S. Social Security Administration — May be able to attempt to forward letters under circumstances involving a matter of great importance, such as a death or serious illness in the missing person’s immediate family, or a sizable amount of money that is due the missing person.
Genealogy
The following organizations specialize in researching family trees and do not actually locate missing people. We have selected a few major resources from the myriad of genealogy services. For a more complete listing, please conduct an online search.
- National Archives (United States)
- National Archives (Australia)
- Family Search — United States & International
- Genealogy Search Australia — Australia & International
Other Resources
- Telstra International Directory Assistance (phone 1225)
- White Pages Directory (Australia)
- White Pages Directory (U.S.)
- Infobel
- Infospace
- Yahoo! People Search
If you are an Australian citizen or the person you are looking for is an Australian, you should seek the assistance of one of the Australian Missions in the United States. Other nationalities should contact their Embassy or Consulate in Australia or in the United States.