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.
Brothers Beyond Borders
Nine-year-old Pascal has always had his brothers by his side—sharing a home, routines, and the quiet comfort only siblings can bring. Now, as his father in Argentina seeks custody, Pascal’s future may take him far from the life they’ve built together. No matter where he lives, one question remains at the heart of his story: how do we protect the bond between brothers when borders come between them?
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.
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.
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.
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This National Social Work Month, we celebrate the dedicated social workers of ISS-USA who help children and families navigate complex cross border challenges. Your commitment to connection and safety makes family reunification possible every day. Thank you for all you do!
For Nikita, this work is about people, belonging, and staying connected — even across borders. We’re thankful for the care and intention she brings to ISS-USA.
For Case Manager Sewella, this work means showing up for cross-border families when systems are complicated and the stakes are high.
For Livvy, the why of this work is reunification—helping families navigate the journey back to one another and witnessing the joy that follows.
For Lacie on our Admin Team, it’s about making a real difference for children and families. By handling the details with care and integrity, she helps every cross-border case have the best possible outcome.
Juana shares how her journey into social work led her to supporting cross border families and children through her work at ISS-USA.
Donnique, ISS Admin Assistant, says her love of helping people and supporting family connections comes together in her role.
For Case Manager Melissa, this work is about supporting cross border families through uncertainty and helping them feel stability as they work toward reunification.
