Join us in celebrating 100 years of connecting families across borders! In 2026, International Social Service marks a century of strengthening connections among children, families, and communities worldwide. Our centennial celebration will feature a half-day symposium and evening reception as we reflect on our history, explore today’s challenges, and imagine the future of cross-border support.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We envision a world in which all children, adults and families separated by borders are connected so they may live safe, self-sufficient and meaningful lives.
ISS-USA mobilizes a domestic and international network of social work, legal, and other professionals to connect children, adults and families separated by borders with the services and support they need.
Registration is officially open for our 100th Anniversary Symposium & Celebration!
Join us on October 9 as we mark a century of connecting families across borders with an afternoon symposium followed by an evening celebration. Whether you`re a longtime partner, colleague, student, or friend of ISS-USA, we`d love to have you with us.
Swipe to learn more about each event! Visit our website to register today! Link in Bio!
As the world comes together for the World Cup Final, we`re reminded that connection transcends borders. While the game unites nations through sport, ISS-USA connects families, supports children, and strengthens relationships across countries. From the field to the family, connection has no borders.
Every cross-border case is more than paperwork—it`s about people, families, and finding the best path forward. ISS-USA supported the reunification process by coordinating a home study and community resource assessment, helping ensure decision-makers had the information they needed to move forward with confidence.
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What makes the ISS network so powerful? The people behind it.
At the PAC/IC meeting, ISS leaders from around the world came together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and collaborate on solutions for children and families navigating cross-border challenges.
We asked attendees to reflect on their experience—what they learned, what inspired them, and why gatherings like these matter. Their responses are a reminder that when we come together, we strengthen our ability to support families across borders.
Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives and helped make this year`s meeting such a meaningful success.
Families don`t stop at borders—and neither do we.
In June alone, ISS-USA:
• Opened 42 new cases
• Served 21 children
• Worked across 11 countries
These numbers represent children finding safety, families reconnecting, and communities working together to support lasting solutions. Thank you for being part of this mission.
From family reunification and assessments to case support services and beyond, our services help bridge gaps across borders to keep families connected and supported.
Visit our website to explore our full list of services and learn how ISS-USA can support your work. Link in bio!
A family connection can change everything. Through our Relative Tracing service, ISS-USA helps locate relatives across borders to share important family information, re-establish contact, explore placement options for children, and support families as they navigate complex cross-border situations.
Visit our website to learn more on how our local social workers work to connect family members all over the globe. Link in bio!
Documents can make all the difference. ISS-USA helps locate and obtain vital records, school records, adoption documents, and other important records from across borders to support immigration matters, child welfare cases, family reunification efforts, and more. When critical information is needed, our Document Tracing service can help bridge the gap.
