Finding Solutions for Children Returning and Reintegrating to Northern Central America, Mexico and the United States

International Social Service, USA (ISS-USA) was invited by Unicef to participate in a Return and Reintegration in Northern Central America, Mexico and the United States: Solutions That Work for Children and Across Borders event in Honduras in mid-November. Julie Rosicky, Executive Director (above left), represented ISS-USA at the event. The event was attended by approximately forty participants from the region, including government actors and civil society members.

The highlight of the event was a panel of children and families who discussed their cross-border journeys, returns, and challenges. All in attendance stressed the importance of having access to education, instructors who help returning children “catch up” on missed schoolwork, and more affordable education through high school and beyond, so adults could access more employment opportunities.

ISS-USA shared its many years of experience doing cross border case management, including working with partners in the US and Honduras to provide pre-departure planning, return and reintegration services to children across Honduras and the region.

In addition, in collaboration with LIRS, ISS-USA visited a local NGO sponsored by Comisión de Acción Social Menonita (CASM) to learn about the wide array of services they provide in San Pedro Sula and around Honduras to migrant children and families looking to stabilize in school, get career and job training, and access social services. 

To learn about ISS-USA’s Repatriation and Reintegration Planning Services in Guatemala and Honduras or to refer a case, click here.