Research

Research forum

In March 2008, more than 40 academics participated in a research forum to develop a national research agenda on missing persons. The research forum was held in Sydney as an adjunct to the International Diversity in Health Conference.

The objectives for the forum were to:

  • engage the research community nationally about missing persons
  • develop a national research agenda and strategy on issues related to missing persons
  • identify specific directions in introducing a diversity approach in missing persons research
  • identify collaborative research and training opportunities with key agencies
  • promote on-going dialogue and partnerships.

Participants represented diverse campuses across Australia as well as various fields including public health, nursing, social work, psychology, social inclusion/exclusion, men's health, social justice and police education. The participants also included practitioners from the Attorney General's Department of NSW, non-government tracing agencies (Red Cross, Salvation Army Family Tracing Service and International Social Service), health and mental health services.

The Research Forum was facilitated by Ms Maria Dimopolous of MyriaD Consultants and included presentations and panel discussions from Dr Judy Putt (Australian Institute of Criminology), Ms Judy Saba (NSW Police, Diversity Unit), Ms Sarah Wayland (then Senior Project Officer, NMPCC), and Emeritus Professor Anthony Marsella (University of Hawaii.)

Outcomes of the forum include:

  1. the identification of areas for further research and education
  2. the establishment of a multidisciplinary Australian research group on missing persons comprising 14 key researchers and practitioners
  3. the development of research proposals on missing persons research
  4. requests from other States and Territories in Australia to develop State-based research groups
  5. requests for the future development of conferences and journal publications on missing persons issues and research.

Click here to view the Research Forum Report (available 10th October 2008)