The Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit is a recent government initiative established under an amendment to the Victims Rights Act 1996 to co-ordinate support services to the families and friends of missing persons. This role is a new and discrete function for the Victims of Crime Bureau. The FFMPU works closely with both police and non-police tracing organisations. The FFMPU’s primary objectives are:

1. To administer funding to non-government organisations to provide support services to the families and friends of missing persons.
2. To establish and maintain an Inter-agency Forum across government and non-government agencies.
3. To develop relevant policies.
4. To promote administrative, legislative and other reforms.
5. To produce high quality products to assist families and friends of missing persons.
6. To liaise with the National Missing Persons Unit.