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

ISS Values

Because we are…

National Experts

ISS-USA was a founding member of the ISS network, and has utilized almost 100 years of cross border expertise to serve separated families in a wide variety of contexts through the years.

Learn how we work with lawyers

Learn how we work with social workers

Compassionate

ISS-USA cares about what is best for the individual we are providing services to. Learn what it means to this mother and son to be reunited after 50 years.

Learn how ISS reunited this mother with her son after 50 years!

Mission Driven

Through the years, our mission has not changed, just the populations of people we serve. ISS has worked tirelessly to find child-centered, durable solutions through cross-border family reunification of American and non-American children separated from their families between the U.S. and over 100 countries around the globe.

Efficient

The average person returning to the U.S. from another country is repatriated within 20 days or so from referral. We are able to secure the majority of home studies in foreign countries within 60 days.

Responsive

Over the past 25 years, ISS-USA assisted HHS to provide services to thousands of American citizen adults, children and families evacuated from countries abroad during earthquakes, hurricanes, a global pandemic and armed conflicts.

Cost Effective

While our services cost money, the reunification of a child with family means that the state will no longer be funding foster care and all the services associated with a child remaining in out of home care.

Innovative

When social workers could not meet their clients face to face during the pandemic, ISS-USA developed both practice and training on how to conduct assessments remotely.

Collaborative

ISS does not send U.S. social workers overseas, or run overseas programs, we PARTNER with local social work organizations and social workers in 130 countries around the globe and in the United States!

Future Thinking

While intercountry adoption continues to decline, parents are seeking other ways of family formation. ISS advocates and educates on how to protect the best interest of children through assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy.

Resilient

Despite divided views on immigration, ISS finds solutions that are BEST for children, adults and families. Click here to learn more about our return and reintegration work in Guatemala and Honduras and future expansion of this program.

The Network

ISS-USA is an independent U.S. member of the global International Social Service Network which has members in around over 120 countries worldwide.
ISS is an international NGO founded in 1924, which today is a large network of international members. It has a General Secretariat based in Geneva, Switzerland.
ISS assists children and families confronted with complex social problems as a result of migration and international borders.
ISS services include social work, legal assistance, counselling and support to families who are in distress. ISS also undertakes training, advocacy and promotes children’s rights.
The international ISS mission is to unite families across borders. Thanks to its international network and presence, ISS is a global actor promoting child protection and welfare

Who We Are