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.
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.
VISION
We envision a world in which all children, adults and families separated by borders are connected so they may live safe, self-sufficient and meaningful lives.
MISSION
ISS-USA mobilizes a domestic and international network of social work, legal, and other professionals to connect children, adults and families separated by borders with the services and support they need.
VALUES
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How did ISS-USA’s work begin? With the belief that every person deserves to have their story, relationships, and hopes for the future recognized.
Founded in 1920, the International Migration Service emerged during an era marked by mass migration and global upheaval. Its early work emphasized the importance of understanding each individual’s circumstances, personal hopes, and family ties.
More than a century later, that founding conviction remains central to ISS-USA’s work connecting children and families across borders. We honor the bold vision that started it all and the legacy it continues to shape.
1920–1946 | The Beginning
Every story has a beginning. Founded in 1914, International Social Service began with a mission to help families separated by borders. Over the decades, that mission grew into a global network dedicated to keeping children and families connected.
Swipe to explore the detailed timeline of this era!
Every month, ISS-USA helps children and families navigate the challenges of staying connected across borders. In October, we continued this work by supporting families through cross-border services, home studies, and connections with our global network.
Here’s a look at who we served this month and the impact of our work. Thank you to our dedicated staff, contractors, and partners who make this work possible!
Our 100th Anniversary Newsletter is out now! Check your inbox or visit our website to read this special centennial edition, celebrating a century of connection, collaboration, and keeping families together across borders. Thank you for being part of our story!
What a night to remember!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Roundhouse on October 9 to celebrate 100 years of ISS-USA. From meaningful conversations and reflections on our history to music, dancing, and new connections, the evening was a celebration of the people who have shaped our work and the possibilities ahead.
Here’s a look back at an unforgettable night—and a celebration of a century of bringing families together across borders. We’re excited for what the next 100 years will bring!
On October 9, ISS-USA brought together practitioners, researchers, and leaders for Enduring Questions, Evolving Answers: A Century of International Social Service.
Through thoughtful conversations and collaborative brainstorming, attendees explored the challenges facing children and families across borders and how we can work together to create positive change. The resounding consensus? We left challenged, encouraged, and motivated to strengthen our collaboration and build better systems of support.
Thank you to everyone who made this meaningful day possible. Here’s to carrying these conversations forward into our next century of impact!
Thank you to our sponsors for your generosity and support of ISS-USA’s Centennial Celebration! Your contributions helped make our symposium and reception not only possible, but meaningful, memorable, and thought-provoking. We’re grateful for your support as we celebrate 100 years of service and continue our work to keep children and families separated by borders connected.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on October 9 to celebrate ISS-USA’s 100th anniversary! From thoughtful conversations and new connections at the Symposium to the food, music, and exhibits at the Reception, the day was a meaningful celebration of a century of service, collaboration, and dedication to keeping children and families connected across borders.
Here’s to the next century of connection and impact!
