Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Global Experts in Cross-Border Family Reunification
International Social Service (ISS-USA) has been a global leader in cross-border child protection and family reunification for nearly a century. Founded in 1924 as part of the International Social Service Network, we specialize in connecting vulnerable children, adults, and families separated by international borders through services like home studies, document tracing, and repatriation. Our team collaborates with local experts in 130+ countries to ensure culturally sensitive, legally compliant solutions that prioritize the best interests of children. We provide critical support to U.S. and foreign citizens returning to their countries of origin, conduct post-adoption tracings, and facilitate interstate and international custody assessments.With a mission-driven approach, we combine 100 years of expertise with innovative practices, such as remote assessments during the pandemic, to address modern challenges in global social work. Our cost-effective services reduce long-term public expenditures by reuniting families instead of maintaining foster care arrangements. We maintain accountability through rigorous data management and partner with governments, NGOs, and legal professionals to advocate for policy reforms that protect family rights across borders.
Services
Family Reunification
Home Studies
Document Tracing
Repatriation Services
Community Resource Assessment
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- We have 99 years of experience in cross-border family reunification services
- Our global network spans 130+ countries for comprehensive international support
- We provide cost-effective solutions that reduce long-term foster care expenses
- Our team collaborates with local experts to ensure culturally appropriate services
- We pioneered remote assessment practices during the pandemic for continued service
What people say
Life-changing reunions
Compassionate experts
Efficient cross-border solutions
Dedicated professionals
Transformative impact
Services
Family Reunification
Our family reunification services specialize in connecting children and adults separated by international borders. We conduct comprehensive home studies, coordinate DNA testing, and facilitate legal document exchanges to verify family relationships. Our social workers collaborate with local authorities in 130+ countries to ensure safe, culturally appropriate reunifications while maintaining compliance with international child welfare standards.
Home Studies
We provide international home studies for custody, adoption, and visitation purposes. Our local partner agencies conduct in-person assessments of living conditions, caregiver suitability, and financial stability. We also offer virtual home study options with accompanying safety assessments when in-person visits aren't feasible, ensuring comprehensive evaluations that meet both U.S. and foreign country requirements.
Document Tracing
Our document tracing specialists locate and obtain critical records across international borders, including birth certificates, adoption papers, and school records. We work with government agencies and legal professionals worldwide to verify identities and family relationships, providing authenticated copies that meet U.S. immigration and citizenship requirements while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols.
Repatriation Services
We facilitate the safe return of U.S. citizens from foreign countries through coordinated repatriation services. Our team arranges emergency travel documents, coordinates with consulates, and provides post-arrival support including housing and medical care. We work with the Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness to ensure comprehensive assistance for individuals returning due to crisis situations.
Community Resource Assessment
Our community resource assessments identify local support services in destination countries, including medical care, educational programs, and mental health resources. We create customized service plans that address specific family needs, ensuring successful reintegration through partnerships with local social service organizations and maintaining ongoing monitoring to verify continued support availability.
Questions
How do I refer an international family case to ISS-USA?
Complete our online referral form with case details and required services. Our team will review and contact you within one business day to begin case coordination.
What countries do your services cover?
We operate in 130+ countries through our global network, providing services in both U.S. territories and international jurisdictions with established social service infrastructure.
Can you help locate biological family members overseas?
Yes, we offer international family tracing services using available records and our network of partner agencies to locate relatives in most countries worldwide.
How are home studies conducted internationally?
Local accredited social workers in the subject's country complete assessments following ISS-USA protocols, with reports submitted in English for U.S. agency review and approval.
What travel documents are needed for international reunification?
Required documents vary by country but typically include passports, visas, and custody documentation. We provide specific guidance based on destination country requirements.
Do you offer services for adult repatriation?
Yes, we assist with repatriation of vulnerable adults through coordination with the U.S. Repatriation Program, including travel arrangements and post-arrival support services.
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