Helping with the pain of not knowing:
Western Australia Media Release
Tuesday, 2 August 2005
According to the National Missing Persons Unit, about 30 000 people are reported missing in Australia each year. For most families the time apart is short. But for many others the agony of not knowing if their loved one is safe goes on.
To mark National Missing Persons Week (1 to 7 August), Armadale Centrelink's Dorkus Bingwa reminded Australians that social workers are available to help everyone in the community during times of adversity.
"The distress experienced during this time is when families need help," said Dorkus.
"While it may not always be possible to reunite missing people with their family and friends, Centrelink's social workers can always listen and explore support options in a way that's caring and respectful.
"Centrelink employs around 500 social workers across Australia to help those facing traumatic experiences.
"Together with other Centrelink staff, government agencies and community groups, social workers explore every avenue of support.
"This can mean connecting people with important services, such as the In Touch program, which is one way Centrelink can try to put families in contact with a missing loved one."
Through the In Touch program, Centrelink can write to a missing person if they're a customer telling them who is trying to make contact as well as their contact details.
"With six and half million Australians getting some form of government assistance, there's a good chance Centrelink has information in its database that can help reunite people," said Dorkus.
"But it shouldn't be forgotten people are free to break off contact with families and friends.
"Centrelink therefore protects confidentiality and can't confirm if it's successful in identifying the missing person – it's up to the individual if they want to make contact."
The In Touch program is available at all Centrelink offices, where specialist staff like social workers are available to help families in stressful circumstances. To make an appointment to see a Centrelink social worker, call 13 1021.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.
