Over nearly a century of working in child welfare, we have learned the value of preserving family relationships. For this reason, ISS-USA has always sought to establish space for family members to create and maintain relationships, regardless of where...
Category: Work of ISS-USA
The Key to the Future of Cultural Identity is Hidden in our Past
The Social Welfare History Archives at the University of Minnesota Libraries (SWHA) documents the complex history and legacy of child welfare policies and programs. The historical records at SWHA are a resource for understanding adoption and foster care systems, public...
Stronger Together: Supporting Separated Families is a Family Affair
ISS-USA thanks Susan and Barry Jacobs, their son and daughter in law Sam Jacobs and Camille Zarsky Jacobs. Susan and Barry have served in a variety of high level diplomatic posts around the globe and raised globally minded children. Susan...
Ukraine Crisis Calls for a Network of Support
For 98 years, International Social Service (ISS) has worked shoulder to shoulder as a global network in 130 countries to protect children, adults and families separated by borders. Throughout our history, we have been called upon to provide services in world wars, conflicts and humanitarian disasters, and we have done so with objectivity, neutrality, and with the primary goal of acting in the best interest of children. As the armed conflict unfolds in Ukraine, the ISS network is prepared to advocate for children and families, provide services where needed as families cross borders, and ensure that both in the short and long term, children remain or are reunited with families, they are protected, and there are durable solutions for children to reach their full potential.
All children have the right to life and survival – we must protect them. Support Ukrainians here.
Mission: Home
For almost 100 years ISS-USA has connected children to their families separated by borders. This Giving Tuesday our mission is simple, Home. Home is with family. Strengthen the foundation for home by donating. With your contribution, we can connect more children with their families.
National Adoption Awareness Month: A Happy Story!
ISS-USA is celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month with one of our recent cases that was especially heartwarming. An ISS-USA Intercountry Case Manager received a request from our partner in Europe regarding a family tracing service. At ages two and three,...
In Celebration of Kinship Care Month: How to Eliminate Barriers to Overseas Kinship Placements in Three Easy Steps
According to a 2017 article by the American Bar Association (ABA), kinship care in comparison to non-relative foster care is preferable for many reasons. Kinship care, in general, minimizes trauma, improves children’s well-being, increases permanency for children, improves behavioral and...
Alone and Mentally Ill in a Foreign Country: Bringing a Vulnerable Son Home
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In our work to safely reunite people across borders, we often help vulnerable individuals return to the U.S. from overseas when they are experiencing mental health issues. Navigating life with a mental health condition...
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
“Building Community, Building Hope” This month, and in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, we acknowledge the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect as well as promoting family strengthening. While much progress...
Shame on U.S: The Stalled Ratification of The Convention on the Rights of the Child
As the year comes to an end, we naturally reflect upon all that we have accomplished, and all that we need to continue to strive for. We celebrate our victories and triumphs, no matter how big, or small, they may...