Understand
Review the family’s circumstances, history and what has already been attempted.
HOW WE HELP
Every case has a story.
Every search needs a pathway.
We assess, coordinate and navigate complex searches, bringing in the appropriate expertise and considering reconnection where it is safe and possible.
Parental child abductionAlienation & family disconnectionChild & parent searchInvestigation pathwaysReconnection & reunificationCase management & support
01
AREA OF SUPPORT
Parental child abduction
A coordinated starting point for families affected by a child being taken or retained, including matters across borders.
Families affected by a child being taken or retained may need help navigating information, agencies and professional support. We help scope the circumstances and identify appropriate investigative and professional pathways, including where borders are involved.
02
AREA OF SUPPORT
Alienation & family disconnection
Understanding prolonged loss of contact and relationship breakdown, with careful attention to the child’s experience.
Where contact has broken down, we seek to understand what has happened rather than assume a cause. A child may resist contact for different reasons, including experiences of harm or fear. Appropriate professional assessment, the child’s voice and safety guide the pathway.
03
AREA OF SUPPORT
Child & parent search
Search pathways for parents, children and adults seeking family members or answers after years apart.
We welcome enquiries from parents searching for children, adults seeking an absent parent or sibling, and people with unanswered questions about their family history, including adoption-related disconnection. Each enquiry begins with an understanding of the circumstances and the outcome being sought.
04
AREA OF SUPPORT
Investigation pathways
Case scoping and appropriate referral to specialist search and investigative expertise.
Where appropriate, a matter may be scoped for specialist investigative support. This can involve reviewing available information, identifying gaps, developing a search strategy and coordinating with qualified investigation professionals. Information and location details require careful handling.
05
AREA OF SUPPORT
Reconnection & reunification
Thoughtful preparation for communication and connection, where safe and appropriate.
Where contact is safe and appropriate, a pathway may include preparation, relevant professional assessment, a supported first conversation and gradual communication. The person being sought may want information without a relationship. Their wishes, consent and wellbeing matter.
06
AREA OF SUPPORT
Case management & support
Bringing information, people and next steps together around the circumstances of each family.
A coordinated pathway helps families understand what has already occurred, what remains unresolved and who needs to be involved. We work backwards from a realistic objective, define a scope of work and establish markers for reviewing progress.
THE PATHWAY
A considered beginning.
A clear next step.
Scope
Identify information gaps, risks and a realistic objective for the case.
Connect
Bring in appropriate professional expertise and agree on the next steps.
Review
Assess progress and adapt the pathway to new information and changing needs.
QUESTIONS FAMILIES ASK
Before you begin.
Can you guarantee a search or reunion?
No. Outcomes depend on the circumstances, available information, safety and the wishes of the people involved. The first step is understanding whether an appropriate pathway can be identified.
Can an adult child ask for help?
Yes. Adults seeking an absent parent, sibling or information about their family history are welcome to enquire. Seeking answers does not mean you have to pursue a relationship.
What should I include in my first enquiry?
Your name, a safe email address and a brief description of the support you are seeking are enough to begin. Avoid including children’s identifying details, location information or sensitive documents in an initial email.
What about fees?
Any proposed services, scope and associated costs should be discussed before you decide whether to proceed. Sending an enquiry does not commit you to a service.
Is Child Search an emergency service?
No. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services. A missing child or suspected crime should be reported to the appropriate authorities. Child Search enquiries are for support and navigation.
A place to begin
You don’t have to find the pathway alone.
Whether you are searching for answers or ready to contribute your expertise, there is a place to start.