About us

The international network

International Social Service (ISS) is organised as a network of national entities coordinated by a General Secretariat based in Geneva. ISS Switzerland is the Swiss member of a global network present in more than 120 countries.

The ISS General Secretariat has existed since 1924. It carries out a number of collective tasks for the network:

  • Ensuring the consistency and coordination of the network’s activities
  • Developing and strengthening the organisational capacity of network members
  • Coordinating, supporting, supervising and evaluating the network’s activities
  • Organising communication and knowledge sharing within the organisation
  • Representing the organisation and leading advocacy at international level

The mission and guiding principles of the international network, which the 120 members undertake to respect

The International Social Service (ISS) network seeks solutions that strengthen the protection of vulnerable children. Its main priority is to safeguard the best interests of the child above all other considerations, through several levels of intervention, including cross-border case management offering social and legal advice and psychological support.

The guiding principles of neutrality, confidentiality, independence, transparency and impartiality are at the heart of ISS’s work.

SupportSupporting children and families separated by borders.
ProtectReporting, assessing and defending children’s rights.
ReuniteRestoring family ties across countries.
MediateRebuilding dialogue in international family conflicts.
102 years

of international social work, since 1924

120

countries covered by the network

75’000

families supported every year

Source: International Social Service — General Secretariat, Geneva.

Members of the international network are either legally independent non-profit organisations or government bodies that provide psychosocial and legal assistance to families and children separated by borders. Members undertake to respect ISS’s vision and mission, as well as its methodology and working principles.

Map of the ISS international network, present in more than 120 countries
ISS network member countryOutside the network

Two types of members

Non-profit organisations

Legally independent, they carry out ISS’s mission in their country and work closely with families.

Government bodies

Partner public services that apply the ISS network’s methodology and working principles.

The General Secretariat in Geneva

It coordinates the network, leads international advocacy and runs global programmes — including the International Reference Centre for the Rights of Children Deprived of their Family and the Verona Principles on surrogacy.

The international ISS website ↗

Find an ISS member in another country

Looking for a contact point abroad? The network directory lists ISS members and correspondents worldwide.

Explore the global network ↗

A family situation that crosses borders? We mobilise the network.

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