International Social Service, USA
We are the U.S. member of a global child protection and social service network. We connect vulnerable children, adults, and families, separated by a border, to the services and support they need.
ISS-USA coordinates services for U.S. and non U.S. citizens returning to their countries of origin, conducts home studies, finds relatives in other countries, obtains documents such as birth certificates and adoption paperwork, provides post-placement monitoring, and acts as advocates for children reuniting with families all over the globe.
Brothers Beyond Borders
Nine-year-old Pascal has always had his brothers by his side—sharing a home, routines, and the quiet comfort only siblings can bring. Now, as his father in Argentina seeks custody, Pascal’s future may take him far from the life they’ve built together. No matter where he lives, one question remains at the heart of his story: how do we protect the bond between brothers when borders come between them?
Sisters Unified After 60 Years!
Growing up, Carmen yearned to find her biological family. While she independently searched for her biological family, she received an email from ISS-USA informing her that her sister was searching for her as well.
The Role of the ISS in the History of Private International Law
The ISS has been hiding in plain sight in the history of private international law since the 1920s. Anyone lucky enough to visit ISS-USA’s archives at the University of Minnesota would be astonished by ISS’s extensive engagement with virtually every aspect of transitional family law.
Reuniting Families Across Borders
When 8-year-old Mateo was placed in foster care in the U.S., social workers discovered he had grandparents in Guatemala who wanted to care for him. ISS-USA worked with authorities in both countries to complete the necessary home study, coordinate the logistics of an international placement, and reunite Mateo with his family.
Helping Agencies Navigate Cross-Border Cases
A child welfare agency in Texas needed to conduct a home study for a child’s relative in Mexico, but they didn’t know how to manage the international process. ISS-USA provided the necessary expertise and coordination, ensuring the agency could make informed decisions for the child’s future.
Working Between States
A social work team in Connecticut is working to reunite 3-year-old Dana with her father in Florida. However, concerns arose about their lack of a prior relationship, and Dana’s speech and motor delays made it crucial to ensure continuity of her treatment. To support the transition, ISS-USA conducted a community resource assessment, helping to create a service plan that connects Dana and her father with local resources tailored to their needs, ensuring a stable and supportive placement.
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Meet Patty, one of ISS-USA’s dedicated independent social workers, sharing her experience in the field.
Through her work, Patty plays a critical role in supporting cross border families—conducting home studies, providing on-the-ground insight, and helping ensure that every case is handled with care, professionalism, and cultural understanding.
Our independent social workers are an essential part of what makes this work possible. Their expertise and commitment allow us to reach families wherever they are and move cases forward with confidence.
In March, we continued connecting families across borders and supporting children through complex transitions—one case at a time.
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Beyond Borders March edition is out now! Check your inbox for our quarterly newsletter filled with stories, updates, and all things ISS-USA!
In 1927, a group of visionary women came together with a shared belief: that families, no matter where they are in the world, deserve connection, protection, and support.
Nearly a century later, their legacy lives on in every cross-border family we serve. Their work laid the foundation—ours continues the mission.
1.2 billion people. That’s the scale of displacement we could see by 2050 due to climate change and natural disasters.
Behind that number are families navigating uncertainty, separation, and the need for support across borders. We’re breaking this down in our March newsletter, along with resources and insights on how to respond. Coming soon!
Subscribe to stay informed and be part of the conversation. Link in bio!
At ISS-USA, our work is guided by our core values: Integrity, Compassion, Mission-Driven, Equity, Sustainability, and Collaboration. These principles shape everything we do — from connecting children to family, to supporting communities across borders. Every decision, every case, every connection reflects our commitment to these values.
Meet Tiphanie, our newest Intercountry Team Case Manager!
Tiphanie is excited to support families, all over the world, by being a liaison and a connector between the families and the services they need!
Welcome to the Team, Tiphanie!
Meet Ali! Our newest team member and Legal Service Coordinator for ISS-USA!
What excites Ali most about her role is the opportunity to work alongside a mission driven team to help expand access to justice by connecting children with the immigration legal resources they need to stay safe and supported!
Welcome to the Team Ali!
