International Social Service - United States of America Branch, Inc.

In collaboration with the ISS federation, home studies are performed by qualified social workers living in, and with specific knowledge of, the country being considered for the placement of a child.

FACT: Home studies were completed for one U.S. state in 27 countries between 2009-2012. Of those where the state has made a final case outcome, 76% of the children ended up with a permanent family placement and additional children likely had family connections established or enhanced.

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Home Studies

ISS-USA handles searches for various documents including birth certificates and records, marriage certificates, death certificates, and adoption records.

FACT: Typically ISS-USA conducts searches in over 100 countries each year.

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Searches

Reasons to trace relatives in other countries: Locate adoptive or extended family members; Request communication between separated family members; Provide family notification of a child's removal; Explore visitation or placement of a child with a relative, & serve legal documents.

FACT: In 2012 we received 116 tracing requests.

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Tracings

ISS-USA provides repatriation assistance to U.S. citizen adults, families and children returning from other countries because of destitution, mental illness, armed conflict or natural disaster.

FACT: In 2012, almost 900 individuals received repatriation assistance. More than one third were children under the age of 18.

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Repatriations

ISS-USA can provide child welfare checks, child welfare alerts, post placement follow-ups and training. Please contact our office for more information.

FACT: In spring 2013, ISS-USA will be training over 250 legal & judicial professionals in New Jersey.

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Other

FACT: ISS-USA handled over 1,000 requests for information and technical assistance in 2012.

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Technical Assistance