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MISSING PERSONS GUIDE
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Welcome to

The Missed Foundation

About us

On average, more than 150 Australians go missing every day.

For each, more than 12 people are directly affected.

The Missed Foundation (Missed) works to alleviate the financial, emotional and psychological impact on families and friends left behind.

The Issue
Get support
Provide support
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Portrait of an older man with a sorrow expression looking at the camera

UNIQUE FORM OF GRIEF

Ambiguous loss

The type of grief families and friends of missing people experience is called ambiguous loss. Psychologists consider it to be one of the most traumatic kinds of grief and one of the most unmanageable forms of stress.

Ambiguous Loss

*Ambiguous Loss, the theory and the book; Emeritus Professor Dr Pauline Boss (Harvard University Press, 1999/2000)

OUR WORK

Supporting those impacted

We have practical and emotional tools to help.

Get support
Provide support
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Practical tools
Missing Persons Guide​

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Emotional tools
The Hope Narratives

Hope isn’t believing everything will be okay, it’s believing that you can…

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Emotional tools
Ambiguous Loss 101

This world-first initiative provides vital professional and personal development to those who…

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Lived Experiences
What’s Missing Podcast

In 2019, we were approached by internationally acclaimed podcast producers, Casefile Presents….

Testimonials

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Missed recently and to say this is a network of brave, resilient individuals is a gross understatement.
– Corporate volunteer
If you’ve ever dealt with The Missed Foundation, you will feel the genuine care that is their backbone. This care and attention to detail also shines through their campaigns.
– Brother
The insight I’ve gained into the impact of ambiguous loss on families has been an equally challenging and enlightening journey and I have the utmost respect for everyone who suffers through such tragedy.
– Volunteer
Missed works tirelessly to support those experiencing ambiguous loss. As the only charity of its kind, Missed’s efforts have gone a long way in raising national awareness of this important issue.
– Partner
The Missed Foundation is the one client that every new staff member wants to learn about and work with. People love that we have them as an ongoing pro bono client.
– Corporate partner
Missed gave me strength, loving support and extremely helpful information and direction.
– Mother
I consider Loren and Missed family for everything they have done for ours as well as other families of missing persons.
– Brother
Missed being able to relate to what we go through is amazing, and I am so grateful for the ongoing support.
– Daughter
Donating to Missed, I’ve felt personal satisfaction that there is hope, understanding and support for those families experiencing ambiguity. As a community we are better for this.
– Donor
The guide website has been like a bible to our family.
– Sister

Missed in the news

We’ve had a lot of media coverage over the years

These are the articles and interviews you’ve got to read/watch/hear.

All media coverage
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Media Coverage
Extra Minutes interview with Loren O’Keeffe

60 Minutes

15 April 2013

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Media Coverage
You Can’t Ask That – Families Of Missing Persons

ABC TV and iview

26 May 2021

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Featured
The Complicated Grief When A Family Member Goes Missing​

The Monthly

1 August 2022

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Media Coverage
Missing Persons advocate Loren O’Keeffe on grief, family and support

Women’s Agenda

1 December 2019

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Featured
A Decade Without Dan: The Search For My Brother Gave Me Purpose

BBC World Service

15 July 2021

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Media Coverage
Conversations with Richard Fidler

Radio National

28 January 2015

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Featured
Australian Story: Forever Young

ABC News

26 April 2021

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Media Coverage
A Sister’s Love

The Project

19 May 2016

Corporate Supporters