The International Social Service (ISS) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1924. It provides assistance in resolving international child protection cases.
The ISS is organised as a global network of over 120 countries which assist children and families confronted with complex social problems as a result of migration. This is in addition to a General Secretariat based in Geneva.
The ISS is accredited to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
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History
The ISS was founded as the 'International Migration Service' in 1924. It was initially established in London by the World YWCA under the Chairmanship of Lady Dorothy Gladstone. Its headquarters moved from London to Geneva in 1925, where it has remained since.
Present day
The ISS aims to ensure that respect for human rights is accorded to every individual across international borders, especially children. As such, it is concerned with a number of areas, including:
Forced migrations (child trafficking, conflict, wars, asylum)
Voluntary migrations
International adoptions
Child abduction (inter-country divorce or separation)
Unaccompanied/orphan child (death or separation)
The services which ISS provides include:
Inter-country social and legal assistance
Family tracing
Pre- and post-adoption assistance
International family mediation
Child protection in family separation
Protection and care of unaccompanied minors
Alternative/foster care
Search of origins
Structure
The ISS is a global network spanning over 120 countries. These consist of 'Branches', 'Affiliated Bureaus' and 'Correspondents'. Prominent members exist in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, UK (known as Children and Families Across Borders) and the US.
The organisations that the ISS collaborates with include:
National and local child protection agencies
National and local governments and courts
NGOs with similar mission and activities
Family support services
Public and private immigration services
Public and private missing children agencies
Individual social service practitioners
Law enforcement agencies, practitioners and firms
Mediation practitioners
Psychology and health practitioners