What we do
Innovation and pilot projects
Coordinating innovative cantonal pilot projects on children’s rights and migration.
ISS Switzerland coordinates pilot projects initiated by cantonal authorities or run in synergy with specialised organisations, on children’s rights or migration issues. These mandates are entrusted to it because of its expertise in interdisciplinary approaches, its international network of professionals and experts, and its global network present in 120 countries.
Parental consensus
Since 2020, ISS Switzerland has been coordinating the set-up or implementation of parental consensus pilot projects in the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud and Valais, together with the courts and services concerned. This interdisciplinary project refers parents who wish to separate or divorce to mediation or co-parenting support in order to prevent high-conflict situations and protect the children involved. It encourages agreement on parental responsibilities in the delicate context of separation or divorce. It brings together judges, socio-educational and psychosocial workers, lawyers, family mediators and psychologists to support families and limit the negative impact on children.
International family mediation
ISS Switzerland is the Central Contact Point for international family mediation in Switzerland within the Malta Process of the Hague Conference. It informs and guides parents and professionals facing a cross-border family conflict, particularly in cases of international child abduction.
Depending on needs, it offers support, referral to mediation services in Switzerland or abroad and, in some countries, international family mediation. The services are free and aim to encourage dialogue, maintain the relationship between the child and their parents and find solutions in the best interests of the child.
Repères project – family reunification
The Repères project, in collaboration with Elisa-Asile, aims to place the best interests of the child at the heart of the family reunification process. It develops a child-centred approach that takes account of the child’s needs, participation and protection throughout the separation and reunification with their parent(s) in Switzerland.
Drawing on real situations, the project supports children and their parents through the different stages of family reunification: informing the child and ensuring their participation, preparing for departure and arrival, supporting parents, maintaining family ties and protecting the child. Lessons learned from this support will be used to develop tools and practices for families and professionals, in order to better prepare family reunification, prevent situations of vulnerability and give greater weight to children’s rights.
International cooperation
The Malta Process of the Hague Conference
The 1980 and 1996 Hague Conventions are binding only on the States that have ratified them. When a child is retained in a non-contracting State, the left-behind parent has very few remedies — compounded by different conceptions of custody and guardianship across legal traditions.
Rather than a new binding instrument, the Malta Process of the Hague Conference on Private International Law relies on lasting dialogue between judges, central authorities and experts. The aim: to build a shared understanding and develop international family mediation where the law is not enough.
ISS Switzerland takes part as the central contact point for international family mediation in Switzerland. Its services are free of charge and available to parents and professionals alike.
Three forms of support
- Informing and referring — a daily telephone helpline and referral to the competent services.
- Supporting parents — advice, support and help in maintaining ties with the child.
- Acting on the situation — international family mediation, coordination of the return and follow-up.