Vision, Courage, and Determination: A Century of Cross-Border Social Work

Discover the remarkable 100-year journey of the International Social Service (ISS) in this commemorative book. By exploring our story, you join us in our mission to protect and empower families and children across borders. Your support through this book helps us continue our vital work worldwide.

Vision, Courage, and Determination: A Century of Cross-Border Social Work provides insights into the history and impact of ISS over the past century, focusing on its role in promoting cross-border social work and advancing the rights of vulnerable populations, particularly children and families.

The book outlines how ISS was founded in response to the mass migration movements and social disruptions witnessed in the aftermath of the First World War.

Dedicated to facilitating the reunification of families separated by borders, ISS pioneered innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to address the complex needs of migrants. The organisation’s commitment to international cooperation and social justice is highlighted through its involvement in drafting key international declarations and conventions, such as the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1924, the 1959 Declaration, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

ISS’s emphasis on international casework practice and the development of a global network of professionals has enabled the organisation to navigate diverse cultural contexts and legal frameworks effectively. Through training programs, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts, ISS has influenced international social work practices and policy development, emphasising the importance of prioritising the best interests of children in all actions concerning them.

This book explores how ISS’s collaboration with various actors, including government authorities, United Nations agencies, and civil society organisations, has bolstered its impact in addressing complex family conflicts and child protection issues across borders. Despite challenges such as funding instability and geopolitical shifts, ISS has maintained a strong and sustained commitment to cooperation and social intervention, positioning itself as a key player in the field of international social work.

The narrative delves into ISS’s contributions during critical moments in history, such as the Second World War, where the organisation’s resilience and determination to uphold its values of neutrality and nondiscrimination were demonstrated. Despite the upheavals of wartime, ISS continued to support families and individuals in migration crises, underscoring its resolute dedication to cooperation and human rights.

Overall, this publication provides a comprehensive overview of ISS’s evolution, achievements, and ongoing efforts to promote international collaboration, social justice, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. Through its century-long legacy of cooperation and advocacy, ISS remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the realm of cross-border social work and child protection.

Thank you for being part of our legacy and our future.