A Brave Escape
15-year-old Grace McCarthy was staying with relatives in China who she reported were abusing her and arranging a marriage she did not want. She believed her parents back in the U.S. were aware of the abuse and the arranged marriage; therefore, she was afraid to return to their care in the United States.
Sisters Unified After 60 Years!
Growing up, Carmen yearned to find her biological family. While she independently searched for her biological family, she received an email from ISS-USA informing her that her sister was searching for her as well.
The Role of the ISS in the History of Private International Law
The ISS has been hiding in plain sight in the history of private international law since the 1920s. Anyone lucky enough to visit ISS-USA’s archives at the University of Minnesota would be astonished by ISS’s extensive engagement with virtually every aspect of transitional family law.
Restoring Hope in Humanity
Due to internal conflict in Thailand, Don was unexpectedly forced to repatriate to the United States in September as the cases for Covid-19 were increasing. While Don was able to return through an emergency loan from the State Department, he was financially unequipped to resettle on such short notice.
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.
Americans Returning Home Safely
After experiencing hardship abroad, David, with help from a U.S. Consulate overseas found himself in need of support once he arrived in the U.S. Without resources or a clear plan, the Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR) gave ISS-USA the green light to arrange for shelter, medical care, and a connection to case management services, to help David get back on his feet again.
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.
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.
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We’re featuring Principle 4: No Bias from our Cross-Border Family Solutions framework! 🌎
This principle is at the heart of everything we do: ensuring that every family, regardless of nationality, background, or circumstance, receives fair and compassionate support. By staying neutral and focusing on the best interests of the child, we help families find solutions built on trust, respect, and understanding.
We are highlighting Principle 3: Local Expertise from our Cross-Border Family Solutions framework!
This principle reminds us that lasting impact comes from working hand-in-hand with trusted local professionals, people who understand the laws, cultures, and communities that shape every family’s story. Their expertise ensures that reunification and support services are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and sustainable.
💡 Read this powerful case story to see how local expertise can make all the difference in bringing families back together across borders.
ISS-USA is celebrating Kinship Care Month! 👨👩👧👦
Ever wondered what a kin-first approach means?
It is a philosophy in child welfare that places family connections at the heart of care and decision-making, ensuring children remain surrounded by love, familiarity, and stability.
At ISS-USA, this approach is central to everything we do. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps families stay connected across borders!
#KinshipCareMonth #FamilyFirst #crossborderfamilysolutions
In September, ISS-USA continued supporting cross-border families through casework that spanned multiple countries and needs. Our work ensures children and families have the resources and connections they deserve.
Our Special Edition September Newsletter is coming out today! 📬 Keep an eye on your inbox to explore this unique issue packed with FAQs, case stories, and resources. Don’t miss it!
We’re growing! Join ISS-USA as our next Intercountry Case Manager and help facilitate child welfare services across borders. Work remotely, get involved with a wide network of NGOs, federal & state agencies, and make real impact in children’s lives.
Interested? Get the details & apply using the link in our bio!
At ISS-USA, our mission drives real-world solutions for families separated across borders. Every case we manage, every connection we facilitate, reflects our commitment to keeping families together — efficiently, thoughtfully, and with care.
At ISS-USA, our work is guided by our core values: Integrity, Compassion, Mission-Driven, Equity, Sustainability, and Collaboration. These principles shape everything we do — from connecting children to family, to supporting communities across borders. Every decision, every case, every connection reflects our commitment to these values.
