At 13, I came to the United States from Japan with someone who promised to care for me—but within months, I was alone, without family, documents, or a way home. I entered foster care carrying fear and uncertainty. Years later,...
Category: Work of ISS-USA
Isabel and Marco’s Journey to Permanence
Two siblings were reunited with the family they already knew and loved, crossing borders to find stability and belonging.
At just 5 and 6 years old, siblings Isabel and Marco entered foster care after it became clear their home environment could not safely meet their needs. Though their grandmother first stepped in, follow‑up visits revealed the placement would not...
From Uncertainty to Stability
An independent social worker guides the process to ensure a child can safely return to family.
My name is Carolin, and I work with ISS‑USA as an independent social worker in Utah, conducting home studies and post‑placement visits. In 2024, I was contacted to assess a home in Salt Lake City for Sophia, a 13‑year‑old girl...
Finding Belonging at the Table:
A Reflection on Il Mio Posto a Tavola
Crafting an Adaptable Training Curriculum:
A Journey to Better Serve Children on the Move
Cross Border Family Connections and 7 Principles to Protect Children’s Rights in Practice
Brothers Beyond Borders
The Importance of Sibling Relationships in Determining Placement
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...
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.