
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.
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.
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.

🌍 Over 400 Downloads in Less Than a Year! 🌍
In under a year, our Children on the Move training curriculum has been downloaded over 400 times across more than 100 countries. This free, adaptable resource empowers social workers and child welfare professionals to better support children displaced by migration, conflict, and other crises.
Developed by ISS-USA, the curriculum offers practical tools and guidance to help professionals provide culturally sensitive care and sustainable solutions for children on the move. It`s designed to be flexible and context-specific, ensuring relevance across diverse global settings.
This milestone reflects a growing global commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable children. We are proud to contribute to this collective effort and remain dedicated to supporting professionals worldwide in their critical work.
🔗 Learn more and access the curriculum on our website!
