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International Social Service 2016 global report International Social Service 2016 global report
International Social Service
2016 global report
International Social Service
2016 global report
INSIDE
1. a welcome note ............................................................................................................. 32. PROGRAMMES .................................................................................................................. 5
Cross-Border Social Casework ............................................................................. 5
InternationalFamilyMediation...........................................................................6 ChildrenontheMove............................................................................................7
InternationalReferenceCentre.........................................................................10 Leadingmulti-stakeholdersinitiatives.............................................................12
Fieldvisitsandtailor-madeadviceattherequestofauthorities...................13
Special Projects .................................................................................................... 14
'Abetterfutureispossible':applyingISSexpertise.........................................16
3. MEMBERS PROFILES .......................................................................................................214. PARTNERS and DONORS ................................................................................................ 265. ISS People .................................................................................................................... 296. ISS in a nutshell ......................................................................................................... 357. Transforming ISS ..................................................................................................... 36
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Pleasenotethatnamesandsituationshavebeenchangedtoguaranteeconfidentialityinthecases, storiesandtestimoniesthroughoutthisreport
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ISSwasbornoutofasimple idea,93yearsago, following largescalemigrations fromEuropeandtheMiddleEasttowardstheAmericasintheaftermathofWorldWarOne.ISSwasoriginallysetuptoprovidea“reunification”servicefor familieswhobecameseparatedalongthemigrationroutes.Today,thatmissionremainspracticallythesame:assistingmigrating families and children separated by borders. That simple idea hasturnedintoaglobal network.
ISS of today remains an agile and flexible organisation that employs professionalsapplyingagreedstandardssetforthbyinternationalchildren’srightsandchildprotectionconventions,throughsocio-legalservicesforthebenefitofpeopleitsupportsandassists.
Withlegalframeworkssetbytheseconventionspartiallyaddressingtheoverallproblemfacingchildrenandfamiliesonthemigrationroutes,ISSprofessionalstaff,internsandvolunteers who are familiar with these conventions and understand local customs,‘personalise’theproblemandtailorasolutionforit,providingpractical,psychologicalandsocio-legaladvicetoachieveadurableandsatisfactorysolution.
Working on a case by case basis over and over again, ISS people record individualproblemsindetail,offersolutionsandsharetheinformationwithotherprofessionalsandpolicymakers.ISSusesthiswealthofexperiencetodesigndirectsupportandtrainingprogrammesandadvocateforpolicydevelopmentinchildprotection.
Aswellasestablishing itselfovertheyearsasatrustedglobalpartner, ISSrecognisesit cannot provide solutions to all social cases on its own; it can, however, mobiliseprofessionalsocialnetworks-whethergovernmentauthorities,specialisedagenciesorgrassrootsorganisations-andseekcollectivelyindividualisedsolutionsforchildrenandfamiliesonthemove.
1. A WELCOME NOTEIS
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2. PROGRAMMESIS
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Cross-border Social Casework
In 2016more than75,000 familieswere assistedwithpsychosocial and socio-legalsupportthroughouttheISSglobalnetwork.Yearafteryearandfor93years,ISShasconcentrated on protecting children and families separated by borders because ofvoluntaryorforcedmigration.EachISSnationalmemberisabletooffera broad range of professional services.
ISS provides psychosocial and legal support services in cases of Child Protection,Child Abduction, Family Welfare and Family Social Assessments, Family Tracingand Reunification, Custody and Access, Adult Protection, Unaccompanied Minors,SurrogacyandDonorconceivedPersonaswellaspreandpastAdoptionSupport.
Toensuremaximumefficiencyinservingchildrenandfamilies,ISSmembersestablishprofessional linkswith and between social services in different countries andwiththeseservicesofferthebest durable solutionforchildrenandfamilies.
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FINDING CONCRETE AND LONG-LASTING SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
“The support to families and children facing complex crossbordersocialsituationsliesattheheartofourdailyworkatISS. Today owing to our child and family focused approach,to members’ close working relationships and to ourworld-wide presence, ISS global impact is widelyrecognized by those we serve and professionals alike. Byfurtherexpandingandconsolidatingournetwork,facilitatingcommunication between children and family protectionNGOs and authorities, I am proud to contribute to ISS keyrole in finding concrete solutions for children and families.“ Seema Pannaikadavil-Thomas
CoordinatorNetworkDevelopment&TrainingCsizmarik Francisc
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Children on the MovE
Key achievements:
An already internationally recommendedGuide to International Family Mediation,theresult of an extensive consultation process.It is intended for families and professionalssupporting or accompanying these familiesandisavailableineightlanguages.
A dedicated multilingual International Family Mediation website accessible to familiesand professionals alike as an innovativeresource offering unrestricted access toexisting services and networks in the field:
International Family Mediation
ThemaingoalofInternationalFamilyMediationistobetterprotect children involved in parental conflicts that spannationalborders. ISS strives to raiseawarenessof the legalcomplexity of cross-border family cases and highlightsInternational FamilyMediation as an efficient tool to solvecross-borderfamilydisputesandtopreventchildabductions.ISS’smainfocusisalwaysthebestinterestsofthechildcaughtinthemiddleofafamilydispute.
Our project aims to facilitate full access for families toinformation and cross-bordermediation professionals on agloballevel.
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A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS AMONG PRACTITIONERS
“A high level of knowledge and competency is indispensable to conduct international family mediation and agreed standards are crucial to establish that level. Mediators will then be familiar with what they commit to and the nature of training they will need to undertake and the standards they will need to comply with. This is an important step to construct a global network of qualified mediators reaching out globally to where they are needed.”
Cilgia CaratschCoordinatorInternationalFamilyMediationwww.ifm-mfi.org
A Charter for International Family Mediation Processesdevelopedbyaninternationalgroupofexpertsandfamilymediatorsisnowready!Amultifaceteddocumentwhosemainpurposeistoinformfamilies,professionalsandauthoritiesonstandardsservingasabasetodeveloptrainingmaterialsandsetthegroundforaglobalnetworkofqualifiedinternationalfamilymediators.
2. PROGRAMMES
Providingeffectiveanddurablesolutionsforchildren on the moveandbeyondtheemergencyphaseisanessentialneed.
UNICEF2016report*notes“Nearly 50 million children have migrated across borders or have been forcibly displacedandthisisaconservativeestimate;morethanhalfof these children–28million–havefledviolenceand insecurity; anestimated17millionchildrenaredisplacedwithin theirowncountries– children indireneedofhumanitarianassistanceandaccesstocriticalservices…”
In2016ISS’shighestauthority,theInternationalCouncil,votedunanimouslytorenewthenetwork’scommitmenttoprotectChildrenontheMoveandcommissionedtheGeneralSecretariattodevelopandimplementaspecialglobalprojectfocusedonthisissue.
*UNICEF,Uprooted,thegrowingcrisisforrefugeeandmigantchildren,sept.2016
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Cross border social assessment & Permanent care solutionUK/China(SourceISSUKandISSHK)
JingwasbornintheUKfromillegalChinesemigrantparents.Shehadtobeplacedinafosterfamilywhenshewastwoasneitherofherparentscouldtakecareofher(herfatherwasdeportedtoChinaandhermothersufferedfrommentalillness).Subsequentlythe UK Central Protection Authority (CPA) contacted ISS UK, to have an assessmentconductedtoevaluatetheparentingcapacityofbothmaternalandpaternalfamiliesinChina.
ISSUKreferredtherequesttoISSHongKong,whoconductedmultipleassessmentsinmainlandChinaandattendedtheUKCourthearingviaavideolink.TheCourtdeterminedthat Jingwas tobeplacedunder the long-termcareofhermaternalgrandparents inNorthern China.
Afamilyreunificationplanfollowed,organisedbetweenISSUK, ISSHongKongandtheBritishgovernment.JingflewtoBeijingwithherfostermother,accompaniedbyaBritishsocialworker. ISSHongKongjoinedthemtomeetwiththematernalgrandparentsandacted as a mediator and interpreter, assisting both sides to understand the complexculturaldifferences.Jingisnowinthecareofhergrandparents.
cases & storiesCONNECTING HUMANITARIAN WITH ALTERNATIVE CARE AND SOCIAL WORKERS
“Having previously worked for the International Red Crossin emergency response settings, initiating and developing apartnershipwith the IFRC has been particularly satisfying. Inprotecting children on the move, it is important to connecthumanitarian with alternative care and social workers tomake sure immediate, short and long term needs are met.Understandingandsharingexpertiseallowsbetterservicesforchildrenandfamiliestobeprovided.
The work of IFRC and ISS is definitively complementary (asshown by the Spanish ISS member also being the NationalRedCrossSociety), linking thedailyRedCross services to ISSindividualisedpsychosocial and legal support, suchas tracingandreunitingfamilies.Iam,therefore,veryexcitedandproudthatthismulti-stakeholderinitiativeisbeingcoordinatedbyanISS-IFRCteam!”
Fanny Pauwelyn-BaertCoordinatorResourceDevelopmentandPartnerships
Severalinitiativeshavefollowed:
AnISSmanualadvocatingdurablesolutionsandcontinuityofcareforchildrenacrossbordersisinthemaking.ThemanualwillbeinstrumentalinprovidingclearguidingprinciplestoISScrossbordercasework(tobereleasedmid2017).
Amultistakeholderinitiativesawthelightin2016,startingwithapartnershipwiththeInternationalFederationofRedCrossandRedCrescentSocieties(IFRC)todiscusshow to better protect children along the migration route by building capacity of professionals on the ground.With the support of IFRC, amapping of existing legal frameworks,principlesandtrainingrelatedtochildrenonthemovehasbeenfinalised.
In2017,thesamemultistakeholderinitiativehasaspecialfocusontrainingprofessionalsdealingwithchildrenonthemoveinemergencysituationsandthedevelopmentofaMassiveOpenOnlineCourse(MOOC)isalsobeingconsidered.
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PROMOTE THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN DEPRIVED OF THEIR FAMILY
“Facilitating the exchange of experience and dialogue betweenprofessionals of governmental and non-governmental agenciesthroughouttheworldliesattheheartoftheIRCmission.Equippingprofessionals tobetterprotect childrendrives the services thatweprovide.Thus,weworkdailytodevelopandimplementinternationalstandardsrelatedtosupportingfamiliesintheircaregivingroles,aswellastopromotequalityalternativecareofchildrenandtoadvocatefor ethical adoptions. In all situations,we insist that the individualneedsofeachchildmustguidealllaws,policiesandpractices.”
Cécile Jeannin CoordinatorResearch&PublicationMia Dambach IRCDirector
International Reference CentrE for the Rights of Children Deprived of a family (IRC)
IRC is a programme of the General Secretariat. Since 1997, the IRC has been anactive advocate and recognised leader in the development and implementationof international standards relating to intercountryadoptionandalternative careofchildrendeprivedoftheirfamilyoratriskofbeingso. Itpromotestheexchangeofknowledge, experience and dialogue between professionals of governmental andnon-governmentalagenciesthroughouttheworld.
SampleofIRCservices:
AmultilingualMonthly Review dispatched to over 5000 professionals (10 issues a year), analysing the latest developments in adoption matters and protection ofchildrendeprivedoftheirfamily.
Amultilingualonlinepublicationcentre thathasmore than3200 references and other information material on child protection laws and policies in 192 countries.
An average of 20 country situation analysespublishedyearly,detailingprotectivemeasures for families, alternative care options and step-by-step analysis of theadoptionprocedure.Inaddition,andthisyearalone,13countrybriefswerepreparedbytheIRCfortheUNCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,aswellastheAfricanCommitteeofExpertsontheRightsandWelfareoftheChild.
Anaverage200 requests for expertise and technical support arereceivedyearlybytheIRCfromover50countries,coveringavarietyofthemeslinkedtocross-borderchildprotectionandintercountryadoption.
Intheautumnof2017,theIRCwillcelebrateits20th anniversarywithaspecialfocusonachievementsandfuturechallenges.
“The ISS/IRC services are highly appreciated. The studies,analysesandinvestigationsprovidedareanimportantandindispensable source of information in our intercountryadoptionwork.Thecountrysituationreportsinparticularremainavaluabletoolforus”.
Norwegian Central Authority January2017
ISS helped me locate my biological FamilyMelanie,Germany,20yearsold
"Iwasadoptedin1996attheageofthreemonthsbyaGermancouple.WhenIturned15,Ibegantobeinterestedinmybiologicalfamily.Sincethisadoptionwasanonymous,theYouthAuthorityinDüsseldorfrecommendedthatIgetincontactwiththeInternationalSocialServiceinFrankfurt*.Thepersoninchargeofmycasewasveryunderstanding,butatthesametimealertedmeandmyadoptiveparentsthattheremightbealonganddifficultroadbeforeus.Attimes,Ifeltitwaslikelookingforaneedleinahaystack. Three years later - a longtimeofwaiting,worrying andno results -we receivednotification thatmybiologicalfamilyhadbeenfoundinSāoPauloandthattheywereveryhappytolearnaboutmeandmyquest.LastsummerIwenttoBrazilandhadachancetodiscovermyrootsandofcoursemyextendedfamily.Withoutthesupportof“FamilieinternationalFrankfurt”*animportantpartofmylifewouldhaveremainedinthedarkandIamverygladthatthiswasnotthecase."
*FiFISSGermany
VOICES BENEFICIARiES
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Leading Multi-stakeholder initiatives
All around the world, for many different reasons, hundreds of thousands ofchildrencannotlivewiththeirparents.Asearlyas2004,ISSstartedworkingonthedevelopmentandpromotionofthe‘GuidelinesfortheAlternativeCareofChildren’.Theseguidelinessetouttheprinciplesforpolicyandpracticethathavebeenagreedupongloballytohelptacklethisissue.
Sincethen,ISShasworkedwithanumberofinternationalagenciessuchasUNICEF,SOSChildren’sVillages,BetterCareNetwork, SaveTheChildrenandmanyotherstoimplementthesestandards,withthehelpoftoolssuchasthe‘MovingForwardHandbook’andthe‘TrackingProgressInitiative’.(Allavailableonline:www.alternativeguidelines.org).
In October 2016 ISS co-organised an international conference, ‘Building on theMomentum’withtheseinternationalagencies,hostedbytheUniversityofGenevaandtheInternationalInstitutefortheRightsoftheChild.With400participantsandover 30 leading experts working together in plenary sessions, the “Momentum”conferencewasThe 2016 international event for alternative care professionals.42posterpresentationsdisplayedtheworkofgrassrootsorganisationsandprovidedavaluableopportunityfornetworkinganddevelopingnewpartnerships.
A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) was launched inMarch 2017, targeting60,000practitionersandpolicymakersworkingwithchildreninneedofalternativecare, with courses starting inMay 2017. By the end of this six week interactivecourse,participantswill haveabetterunderstandingof the keyprinciples,pillarsandimplicationsoftheUNGuidelines,takinginviewsfromacrosstheworld.
Alternative care is defined as care for orphans and other vulnerable childrenwho arenot under the custody of their biological parents. It includes adoption, foster families,guardianship, kinship care, residential care and other community-based arrangementsto care for children in need of special protection, particularly childrenwithout primarycaregivers.
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Family Tracing Germany/Algeria(sourceISSAlgeria)
Mrs.SD,aGermannational,contactedISSGermanylookingforherfather,whoshehadnevermetandwhoshebelievedlivedinAlgeria.ISSGermanyreferredthecasetoISSinAlgiers,tostarttracingSD’sfather.
Thefatherhadmovedseveraltimesovertheperiod,whichmadetracinghimquitedifficult.Howeversocialworkersfinallyfoundhimbuthadtodealwithhisinitialstrongdenialthathehadadaughter.Aftersustainedmediationefforts,thefatheragreedtoinitiateafirstcontactwithMrs.SDandtotraveltoGermanytomeethisdaughterandgrandchildren.
cases & stories
Field visits and tailor-made advice at the request of authorities
In2016,attherequestoftheCambodianMinistryofSocialAffairsandwiththefullsupport of UNICEF, ISS and The HagueConference on Private InternationalLaw (HCCH) conducted a joint needsassessmentinthecountry.Thedraftingof a capacity development plan tostrengthen foster care, domestic andintercountry adoption was the mainfocus of the mission. After multiplemeetings throughout Cambodia, aspecial workshop gathered more than100 participants in the capital city. Governmentofficials,civilsocietyactorsandUNexpertsreviewedthepreliminaryfindings and recommendations ofthe assessment mission, providingfeedback as necessary. Taking intoaccountthisadviceandincollaborationwith the Cambodian government andother partners, ISS readies itself torecommendreformsonbothalternativecare and adoption practices to matchinternationalstandards.
The Moroccan Ministry of Justicemandated ISS in 2016 to undertakea study on the administrative andlegal procedures applicable in Kafalahsituations in Morocco. The ISS teamcarried out a thorough desktopreview of existing laws and policies inthe country, followed by telephoneinterviews with high profile officialsfromtheMinistryofJustice,judgesfromvariousprovincialtribunalsforchildrenandyouth,aswellascivilsocietyactors. PursuingthemandatefromtheMinistryof Justice, an ISS evaluation joined byUNICEF Morocco headed to MoroccoearlyMay2017tocomparetheresultswithfield realitiesandproduceafinalreportandrecommendationsforfollowupaction.
Cambodia: Morocco:
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Coordinating a first of this kind consultative research process involving 35experts,ISSisdraftingthe‘Principles for a better protection of children’s rights surrogacy arrangements.Thefirsttwelveprinciplesareready;tonameafew:
Respectinghuman dignity ofeachindividual
Preventingthe sale of children
Ensuring birth registration
Ensuring nationality forthechild
Preventing thechild's right toknowhis/heroriginsbypreservingthechild’sbirthinformation
Other principles will cover: the consent of surrogate mother, the evaluation andpreparation of intending parents, the commercial aspects, parental responsibility,childasanindividualrightsholderandrighttonon-discrimination
In2016, ISSdecidedtoupdate its2008comparativeKafalahstudycarriedout inten countries by identifying current legislation, policies and practices. Differentperspectivesandpromisingpracticesthatencourageachildrights-basedapproachhavebeen identifiedandwillbeshared inthestudy.Thisworkwillbecontinuedthroughout 2017. Taking into account the ‘Guidelines for the Alternative Care ofChildren’andthe1996Hagueconvention,ISSwillbeadvocatingforthecontinuityofcareacrossborders.
"Kafalah"isgenerallyknownasaperson’s(kafil)commitmenttovoluntarilytakecareoftheneeds,maintenance,educationandprotectionofachilddeprivedofhis/herfamily(makfoul).Kafalahdoesnotprovideparenthoodstatusbetweenthekafilandthemakfoul.
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Worldwide more than half a million children have beenadopted abroad and have become adults. Today, many ofthemare relentlessly searching for theiroriginsandhistory.At times, these searches can uncover illegal practices thatoccurredduringtheiradoptionprocess.Responding to illegal adoptions: a professional handbookwaspublishedin2016.This handbook is an important source of information forprofessionals supporting individuals affected by an illegaladoption,offeringhopeandanswers.
Special Projects
Kafalah our way to becoming parents"MyhusbandandIliveinMorocco.Wecouldnothavechildrenandaftermanyattempts,somemedicallyassisted,wedecidedtostartKafalahprocedures.After longmonthsofwaitingandhavingbeenthroughpsychosocialevaluations,aspecialjudicialdecisionfinallygrantedusparentalresponsibilityandcustodyoverKarim,a4yearoldboywhohadspenthislifeinanorphanage.AlleffortstoreuniteKarimwithhisbiologicalparentshadfailed."
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cases & stories
CHILD ABUSE ALERTLebanon/Syria(SourceISSLebanon) After twoharshyearsof sexual abuse fromher fatherandafter several attemptsofself-harm,Hala,aSyrianrefugeeinLebanon,toldHimaya(ISSLebanon)herstoryandaskedforhelp.
HalagrewupasavictimofdomesticviolencebasisevenbeforeleavingherhomelandlookingforsafetyinLebanon.Thefatherwouldbeathermotherfrequentlyandthrowheroutofthehouse;oncealonewithhisdaughter,hemanipulatedherintobelievingthattheonlywaytobringbackhermotherwasifHalaagreedtosexualintercoursewithhim.Halawoulddisclosetheabusetohermother,butbeingutterlyafraidofthefather,Hala’smothercouldoffernosupportwhatsoever.
InresponsetoHala’sinitialreportedabuse,Himaya’ssocialworkerstartedtheassessmentandinitiatedalegalproceduretoprotecttheminor.Inparalleltothelegalactions,thepsychosocialteamfollowedupwithHalaandhermotherprovidingcontinuousphonesupportandthenarrangingashorttermshelterforthemotheranddaughterthroughlocalpartnerorganisations.
Finallywith the support of relatives and friends from the community aswell as thecollaborationbetweenHimaya’slegaldepartmentandthedifferentcourtsinvolvedinchildandfamilyprotectioninLebanon,thefatherisnowinprisonandforthefirsttimeinherlifeHalaandhermotheraresecureandfeelsafeintheirownhome.
Cross border social assessment & Permanent care solutionUSA/Mexico(SourceISSUSA&ISSMEXICO)
JoséwasdeportedfromtheUSAtohishomelandMexico,leavingbehindhiswifeMarielandtheirsonJavier.MarielbegantousedrugsandbythetimeJavierturned5yearsold,hehadbeenremovedfromhismother’scarepermanentlyandplacedinfostercare.
TheUSAChildProtectionAuthority (CPA)notedthat Javierhad irregularbutpositivecontactswith his father. TheCPA reachedout to ISSUSA to enquire about possiblesolutions for Javier and in turn ISS USA contacted ISSMexico. ISSMexico informedthefatherthathissonJavierwas infostercareandthatathoroughassessmentwasnecessarytodetermineifplacingJavierinhisfather’scarewasinJavier’sbestinterest.ISSUSAandMexicoworkedcloselytogethertoprovideacomprehensiveassessmentandassistedtheUSCourttotakean informeddecision.TheCourtdecidedtoreturnJaviertohisfather’scare.
ISSMexicosupportedJoséandhisfamilythroughouttheprocessandassistedtheminmakinganappropriateplantointegrateJavierinhis“new”familyenvironmentacrosstheborder.ISSMexicoassisteddirectlywithJavier’sintegration,conductingdailyhomevisits for thefirst twoweeksandonceamonth thereafter forayear.ThehomevisitreportswereforwardedtotheUSCPAviaISSUSA.Thecasewasclosedafterayear.
Kafalah:
Illegal Adoptions:
International Surrogacy
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Project Highlights: Second mission to Mauritius to provide technical assistance for governmentauthoritiesonfamilymediationandfostercare.
ExternalevaluationoftheprojectinBurkina Fasounderliningpositiveoutcomes;469stafffrom30residentialcarefacilitieshavebeentrainedsince2014andtechnicalassistancetothegovernmentonfostercare.Thenextphaseoftheprojecttostartin2017isunderconsideration.
NeedsassessmentmissioninCambodiawithUNICEFCambodia.APlanofactiontoenhancealternativecareopportunitiesforCWDwithoutparentalcare.ThePOAwillbeimplementedbyISSAustralia.
Early2017,afirsttrainingmissioninMonterreyinMexicotookplaceincollaborationwith ISSUSAandISSEcuador(Danielle’sChildren’sFund).Thisproject focusesonseparation prevention of children with disabilities from their families and theirreintegrationbackintotheirbiologicalfamilies.
ISSiscontemplatingexpandingtheprogrammefurthertoSri Lankafollowinginitialrequestsforinformationreceivedfromthegovernment.
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"A better future is possible": Applying iss expertise
A "Lifebook for every child living in residential care institutions"offersachild-friendlywaytocollectandkeepall relevant informationrelatingtothe lifestoryofthechild.TheLifebookisatoolforprofessionalstoaddress,togetherwiththechild,sensitiveissuesabouthis/herorigins, the reason for theplacement, aswellasasupport forthepreparationfora life ina family. (http://www.iss-ssi.org/index.php/en/what-we-do-en/cwd-en)
‘Abetterfutureispossible’forchildrenwithdisabilitiesisaglobalprogramaimingtopromote family life and adapted care for children with disabilities without parental care.ISSisconvincedthatnumerouschildrenwithdisabilitieslivinginresidentialcarecouldhaveachancetogrowupinafamilyenvironmentthroughthetargetedtraining,supportandadvocacyofprofessionalsandofficials.
The main beneficiaries of the programme are: children with disabilities living inresidentialcarefacilities,fosterorbiologicalfamilies;familiescaringforchildrenwithdisabilities,andprofessionalsworkingwithfamiliesandchildren.
ISSdesignedand implements thisprogramsince2013onaneed/ requestbasis incollaborationwithnationalauthoritiesandpartners.Todaytheproject ispresentinVietnam, Cambodia, Burkina Faso, Mauritius and Mexico with Sri Lanka, Romania and Zambia in concept stage.
Methodology:
With ISSprovidingmonitoringandtechnicalassistance,amulti-disciplinaryteamofexpertstrainsanationalorlocalpooloftrainers,whointheirturntrainprofessionalsinprovidingsocialcaresupporttofamiliesandfosterfamiliestopreventseparation,carryingoutapsychosocialassessmentofchildrenwithdisabilitieslivinginresidentialcareandpreparinga“lifeproject”foreverychild.
A "Manual for Professionals Working with Children with Disabilities Living in Institutions" is the resultofseveralyearsofworkwithagroupofinternationalmultidisciplinaryexperts.Thehandbookisavailableinthreelanguages.
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A NEW CHALLENGE IN EACH PARTNER COUNTRY
“InlinewithISScoremandatetosupportvulnerablechildrenoutofparentalcare,wedesignedthisspecificprojecttohelpchildrenwhoaremost likely to spend their childhood in residential care. Fromonepartnercountrytoanother,weobserveahugearrayofcultural
contexts,childprotectionpoliciesandpractices.
Inclosecollaborationwithgovernmentsandnationalpartners,ISSsupportsplanstailoredtothecountryrealitiesandprioritiesusingour ownexpertise, independent experts andpartnerNGOs. I amproudtoseehowcareandattitudetowardschildrenwithdisabilities
canchangeforthebetter.“
Marie Jenny Coordinator Special Projects
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ISS reunited me with my daughterMohamedM.,Algiers
"MyentirefamilyandIaregratefultoMrsSaadi*forherunderstandingandperseverancein followinguponourcase.Atfirst, Ididn’tbelieve foronesecondthestoryof thisallegeddaughterwhoturnedouttobelivinginGermanywithanadoptivefamily.Now,IamabouttomeetherandmeetherchildrenaswellandI’msohappyaboutthat."
*Socialworker,ISSAlgeria
VOICES BENEFICIARiES
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NEw zealand
Tenakoutou(Maorifor“Warmgreetingstomanypeople”).
ISSNewZealandhasbeenamemberofISSsince1952.ItislocatedwithintheMinistryforVulnerableChildren,OrangaTamarikiandmaintainsclosetieswiththeOfficeofNewZealandCentralAuthorityforIntercountryAdoption.
ISS New Zealand’s main function is casework; as such, it finds the ISS networkinvaluable in helping toovercome the challengesof cross-border family conflict ordifficulty.Someofthechildprotectioncaseworkiscomplexandurgencyisafeatureofcasemanagement,asthewell-beingofyoungchildrenisoftenatstake.
ISScasework isprimarilyrelatedtosearchingoforiginsandreunificationwithbirthparentsonbehalfofadultswhowereadopted,intercountryadoptioncaseworkandrequestsforfamilyassessmentsrelatingtothecareandprotectionofchildren.
Since2000ISSNewZealandhasadministeredasupportFund(incooperationwithISSUnitedKingdom),setupbytheBritishgovernmenttoaddresstheissuesfollowingthedevastationofWWII,whenthousandsofchildrenweresentoverseasfromBritaintopopulatefar-flungpartsofthethenBritishEmpire.ISScaseworkersacrossthenetworkplayedaninvaluablerole intracinglonglostfamilymembers,facilitatingtravelandsupportingtheformerchildmigrantsthroughtheemotionalandsometimescatharticexperienceoffamilyreunion.
EverycaseisimportantandthedifferencethatISScanmakeinpeople’slivescannotbeunderestimated.
3. MEMBERSPROFILES
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HAITI
PlanInternational(PI)isanorganizationthathasbeenactiveworldwideforalmost80yearsand43yearsinHaiti.PIwhichhasbeenISSPartnerinHaitifortwoyears,workswithvulnerablechildren,especiallygirls,toallowthemtolearn,lead,decideandthrive.PIHaiti(PIH)implementscommunitydevelopmentprojectscentredaroundthechildandensuresthecommunitygetsinvolvedthroughouttheprojects.Moreover,PIH’svisionfocusesongivingyoungpeopleavoiceindecision-makingprocessesthataffectthem.
PIH sees ISSwork as essential in a societywhere childhood is not always given theappropriate attention and care. Weak legislation with regard to cross-border childprotectionmakes itmorecomplicated toworkon thesecases. ISS isoneof the fewworldwideorganizationstoputthechild’sbest interestfirst,an indispensabletask inviewofthecomplexglobalmigrationsituation.
JAPAN
ISS Japan (ISSJ) was established in 1952, when Japanese society was striving toreconstructafterWorldWarII, includingassistingorphansandmixed-racechildren.ISSJapanhasbeenworkinginchildprotectionthrougharangeofdifferenttypesofinterventions such as adoption, parent visitation support, nationality restorationand assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. Its aim is to provide professionalsocialsupporttochildrenininstitutionsandthoseonthemove,orthoseinneedofchild-centredservices.
Overtheyears,beingamemberoftheISSnetworkhasbeenadvantageoustoISSJapan.ISSJsocialworkersexchangeinformationwithcolleaguesaroundtheglobetoprovidequalityserviceswhileworkingoncross-bordersocialcasessuchassearchforbiologicalparentsorvisitationsupport (mediation) forachildafter thebreakupofbinationalfamiliesandtheISSnetworkishighlyregardedbyforeignembassiesandministriesinJapan.Localchildwelfareagenciesalsobenefitfromthenetwork,whichallowsISSJtoplayakeyroleinpromotingchildprotectionandcross-bordersocialwork.
Cape verde
ACRIDESisanNGOentirelydevotedtothepromotionanddefenceoftherightsofthechild(andher/hisfamily)andaimsforthechild’scompleteandharmoniousdevelopment.
BeingamemberofISSisveryimportanttoACRIDESasCapeVerdehas,forcenturies,beenanemigrationcountryandpeoplefromCapeVerdenowliveallaroundtheword.Today,CapeVerdehasalsobecomeanimmigrationcountry,sincemanyWestAfricanscometoworkthere,bothlegallyandillegally.
Thedevelopmentoftourismhasledtoariseinhumantrafficking,especiallyrelatedtoprostitutionrings.ACRIDESorganizedamissioninMay2016toevaluatethesituationofNigeriangirls sexuallyexploitedon several islands,with theaimofhelping thevictimsreturntotheircountryoforigin.
Participating in the 2016 ISSMelbourneConferencehas enabledACRIDES to share itsexperiencewith socialworkers from around theworld and to discover interesting ISSprogrammesandprojects suchas International FamilyMediation,which itwouldverymuchliketoimplementinCapeVerde.
LEBANON
Himaya was founded in 2009 as a specialized NGO in the child protection sectorworkingonbothpreventionand intervention levels,ensuringaccessibleservicestoallbeneficiariesacross Lebanon.Himayacoordinates itsworkcloselywithdifferentLebanese ministries (Social Affairs, Justice, Public Health and Education). Its maininternationalpartnersareUNICEF,UNHCR,TheGlobalSmileFoundationMENAandISS.
Since2014,HimayahasbeenanISSmemberandhasbeenliaisingwithdifferentISSmembersallover theworld, forexampleworkingcloselywith ISS-Switzerlandonimplementingthe‘SafeParks’projectforSyrianrefugeechildren.ThispartnershiphasbeenverybeneficialtoHimaya,helpingittogrowitsnetwork,coordinateandshareknowledgeandexperiencewithrepresentativesfromothercountries.
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PAKISTAN
SANJOGwasestablishedasanNGOinPakistanin2006.Itsvisionis“Everychildisfreefromallformsofabuseandexploitation”anditsmissionis“Topromotethefundamentalrightsofchildrenthroughadvocacy,capacitybuildingandarights-basedapproachtoservicedelivery”.
SanjoghasbeenamemberoftheISSnetworksince2016withISSUK(CFAB)actingasareferencememberfortrainingandsupport.SanjoghasvaluedthesupportandcooperationwithISSandCFABandthroughthissupporthasbuiltcapacityandpolisheditsteam'sskillstocarryoutvarioustypesofassessments.
SanjogisinterestedtobecomefurtherinvolvedinISSactivitiesbycontributingtoadvocacyonchildandfamily'swelfare.
Ecuador
In2016,DanielleChildren’sFund(DCF)EcuadorwascontactedbytheISSGeneralSecretariattoexplorepossiblecooperation.InJuneofthesameyearbothorganizationssignedaletterofintent,whichmadeDCFamemberoftheISSGlobalNetwork.
DCFisaDutchNGOwhichhasbeenoperatingsince2001inEcuadorandNepal.InEcuador,DCF runspreventive familyandcommunity supportprogrammes,offeringmainly familytherapyandsocialinterventions.DCFalsoprovidestechnicalassistancetoorganizationsthatwouldliketoshiftfrominstitutionaltowardsalternativecareforchildren.DCFisanactivememberoftheEcuadoriannetwork“REDCONVIVENCIA”createdin2016withthesupportofUNICEFandRELAF(LatinAmericaFosterCareNetwork).
Formorethan15years,DCFhasbeencapitalizingonitsexperienceworkinginsituationsthatputtherightofthechildtoliveinafamilyatrisk.Itssystemicapproachgoesbeyondthechildanditsfamily,consideringtheglobalenvironmentandthesocialworkerasafacilitatortogeneratelastingoptions.
The collaborationwith ISS has alreadybeen an enriching experience forDCFwhich hasbenefitedfromtheISSnetworkknow-how.DCFhasbeenworkingonseveralcross-bordersocialcases,whereitsuccessfullyintervenedbyassessingfamiliesandcommunitysystems.Moreover, DCF recently participated in a training workshop as part of the ISS globalprogramme “ABetter Future is Possible” inMonterrey,Mexico.DCF looks forward to acontinuoussharingandcollaborationwiththeISSNetwork.
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cases & storiesChild welfare assessmentCaymanIslands/Jamaica(sourceISSCaymanIsland)
ACaymanIslandsresident,Mrs.TW,contactedtheDepartmentofChildrenandFamilyServicesstatingthathergreatgrandsonShamar,11yearsoldatthattimeandlivinginKingston,Jamaicawithhismother,wasmaltreatedandsufferedfromneglect.Shamarwasoftensenttoschoolwithoutbreakfastandwithnoprovisionforanyothermeal.Hismother had reportedly locked him out of the house as HurricaneMatthewwasthreateningJamaica.
ISSCaymanIslandstalkedtoShamar’smaternalgrandmother,whoconfirmedthathewassubjectedtoalltypesofabuseandthatshewasreadyandwillingtocooperatewithanyinterventiontoprotecthergrandson.
ThecasewasthenreportedrapidlytotheChildDevelopmentAgencyinJamaicaandavisittothemotherwasconductedtoassessthesituationandherlivingconditions.ThisinterventioninitselfseemedtohavebeeninstrumentalinjoltingShamar’smotherintodoingmuchbetterwithherson.Severalfollow-upenquiriesandinformationfromtheschoolandboththegreatgrandmotherandgrandmotherreportedbyISSJamaicahavebeenpositive.ISScontinuestomonitorthesituation.
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ISS PARtNErS
International Organizations AfricanCommitteeofExpertsontheRightsandWelfareoftheChild BetterCareNetwork ChildRightsConnect FundamentalRightsAgency HagueConferenceonPrivateInternationalLaw HopeandHomesforChildren InternationalInstitutefortheRightsoftheChild InternationalFederationofRedCrossandRedCrescentSocieties InternationalFederationofSocialworkers MédecinsduMonde RELAF(RedLatinoamericanadeAcogimientoFamiliar) SavetheChildren SOSChildren’sVillages SpoonFoundation
UN Bodies and UN Specialized organisations and EU institutions UNICEF UNCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights UNCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild UNCommitteeontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities UNHighCommissionerforRefugees(UNHCR) InternationalOrganizationforMigration(IOM) OfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights EuropeanParliamentGrouponChildren’sRights EuropeanUnionandEuropeanCouncil
Academic Partners CentreforExcellenceforLookedAfterChildreninScotland UniversityofAberdeen UniversityofCumberland UniversityofGeneva UniversityofLeiden UniversityofStAndrews UniversityofVerona
4. PARTNERS& DONORS
a word of thanks to our donors in 2016
Individual donors (whowishtoremainanonymous)
Foundations
Governments
Others CapitalGroup YourownLab Villi
AndorraAustraliaBelgiumCanadaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFrance
GermanyIcelandIrelandItalyLuxembourgMaltaMonacoNew Zealand
TheNetherlandsNorwaySouthAfricaSpainSwedenSwitzerland(FederalandGenevaCanton)UnitedKingdom
AccentusFondationFondationAlbatrosFondationDoraFondationErnstGöhnerFondationHansWilsdorfFondationLordMichelhamofHellingly
FondationMeyrinoiseduCasinoFondationPhilanthropiaFondationPierreMercierLaLoterieSuisseRomandeOakFoundationSociétéGénéraledeLuxembourg
FinancialReport2016isavailableuponrequest
*FordonorswhowanttosupportournationalISSmembers,pleasefindtheircontactinformationhere: http://www.iss-ssi.org/index.php/en/home/network
Direct Fundraising efforts34%
27% Membership Contributions
39% Government Contributions
ISS General Secretariat 2016 Sources of Income
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5. ISS PEOPLE
“IjoinedtheUKmemberofISS(knownasChildrenandFamiliesAcrossBorders,CFAB)inJanuary2017andhavebeengenuinelyimpressedbythededicationandhardworkoftheCFABteam.Wehaven’tbeenatfullstrengthforthelastsixmonths,yetindividualshaveworkedextra-longhourstoensurechildrenneedinghelpreceiveit. IhavehadawarmwelcomefromJeanAyoubandFionnSkiotis;bothhavehelpedexplainthenetworkandtheambitionsagreedbymembersforthefuture,whichisexcitingtosaytheleast!OverthelastthreemonthsIhavealsohadoffersofsupportandcollaborationfromtheUSA,Israel,Germany–tonameafew–andIamreallylookingforwardtoputtingnamestofacesassoonastheopportunitypresentsitself. Whilewemayfeelchallengedbycurrentinternationaldevelopments,it'svitallyimportantthatwecontinuetodoourworkandprovideourservicesinaspiritofinternationalcooperationandsolidarityandaboveall,wemustputthebestinterestsofchildrenforemostineverythingwedo."
Carolyn HousmanExecutiveDirector CFAB,ISSUK
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Damon Martin Manager IntercountryAdoptionServices ISSAustralia
“It hasbeenanhonour to collaboratewithMarie Jenny - CoordinatorSpecialProjects,GeneralSecretariat,Geneva-ontheproject‘ABetterFuture is Possible for Children with Disabilities Living in Institutions’.AfterfourmissionstoVietnamworkingonthisprojectwithMarie,wehavecementedastrongworkingrelationshipbuiltontrustandrespect. Furthermore,workingon thisprojecthasenabledme toenhancemysocialworkskillswhiledevelopingagreaterunderstandingoftheuniqueandcomplexneedsassociatedwithchildrenlivingininstitutionalcareinadevelopingworldcountry. IcommendMarieandthe ISSGeneralSecretariatfortheinitiativesofthisprojectthataremakingadifferencetothelivesofchildrenwithdisabilitiesglobally!"
Hafida SAADI Social workerISS Algeria
“Being part of the ISS network is a rewarding experience, especiallyconsidering thehardshipseverysocialworkerencounters.OurcontactswiththeSecretariatgeneralareexcellent.Wewishwecouldattendmoremeetingsandtrainings.”
"ISSSouthAfricahasbeenactivewiththeISSnetworksince1999efficientlyworkingwith all itsmembers and partners to safeguard and protect therightsoffamiliesandchildrenworldwide.ISSSouthAfricapridesitselftohavemanagedtracingandfamilyreunificationsupportoutsidenationalborders.We see ISS is a strategic organisation advocating for child and familiesprotection and ensuring implementation of international child protectioninstruments supportedbydomestic legal frameworksofvariouscountriesaffiliatedtoISS.
AsacountrywecontinuetobenefitfromISSandwewouldliketoreiterateourcommitmenttothevisionandmissionofISS."
Connie Nxumalo GBmember DeputyDirectorGeneral ISSSouthAfrica
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“JoiningwiththeISS-GSintheChildrenwithDisabilitiesprojecthasbeena valuable opportunity for ISS-USA to support an important globalinitiativespearheadedbytheGS,whilestrengtheningthelong-standinginstitutional connection between ISS and DIF-Mexico. The trainingcurriculuminMexicodeviatedfrompreviousprojectsitestoreflectthelocalcontextoffamilyseparationforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandallowfor amore robust explorationof best practices for thede-institution-alizationofchildrenwithdisabilitiesacrossaglobalstage.
Fortifyingnetworksof family and community support for familieswithchildrenwithdisabilitiesrepresentsavitalstepinpreventingseparationthrough institutionalization, making reunification of institutionalizedchildrenwithdisabilitiesintofamilysettingsasafeandsustainableoption.TheparticipantsatthetraininginMexicowereagroupofhighly-skilledprofessionalsengagedinthoughtful,constructiveconversationsonwaystoimprovethelivesofvulnerablechildrenatriskofseparationfromtheirfamilies.Thesix-dayevent,acollaborationbetweenISS-GS,ISS-USAandDIF Monterrey, showcased how the construction of multi-disciplinary,multi-sectoral and multi-country partnerships have the potential toproducesystemicchange.”
Elaine WeismanIntercountrySocialWorkerISSUSA
Dinesh Raj Sapkota DirectorCreatingPossibilities,ISS Nepal
“WearehonouredtobepartoftheISSnetwork.ThankstocollaborationwithISSmembersfromAustralia,HongKongandSwitzerland,wesuccessfullycompletedseveralcross-bordercasesin2016.Beingnotsofamiliarwiththe procedures, these members also helped us drafting final reports. TheGeneralSecretariat’sworkisessentialtous.ThetrainingproposedduringtheInternationalCouncilinMelbourneinApril2016hasproventobeveryuseful.Wealsoappreciatethesharingofinformationthatallowsustograspglobalchallenges,aswellasthevariouspublications,especiallyconcerningInternationalFamilyMediationwhichunderlinestheneedsofthemostvulnerablebeneficiaries,i.e.children.”
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Family social assessment and family reunificationGermany/Malta(sourceISSMalta)
Klement(10)andElija(12)werelivinginGermanywiththeirmotheruntilshedied,duetoanaccident.WithnootherrelativesinGermanyandnodeclaredfather,thetwoboyswereplacedinresidentialandfostercare.
Afirstassessment found thatKlementandElija’sonly remaining relativeswere theirmaternalgrandparentsinMalta.TheGermanauthoritiesrequestedasocialassessmentreportonthegrandparents,inordertoassesstheircapacitytocarefortheboys.ISSGermanywascontactedtoorganizetheassessmentthroughISSinMalta.
ExtendedexchangesandcollaborationbetweenISSGermanyandISSMalta(Appogg)completedtheassessmentandgaveafavourableopinionregardingthegrandparents’situationandwillingnesstocareforthechildren,whowerethenallowedtotraveltoMaltatobereunitedwiththeirgrandparents.Thechildrenarenowsettled,attendingschoolandhappilylivingwiththeirclosestfamily.FindingasafehomeforbothKlementandElijaisafineexampleofwhatISSdoesatitsbest.
cases & stories
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INTERCOUNTRYADOPTION
unaccompaniedand separated
children
adultprotection
internationalsurrogacy
searching for origins
MEDIATE
REUNITE
SUPPORT
PROTECT
6. ISS IN A NUTSHELL
countries110
SINCE1924
PEOPLE REACHED7,000,000
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7. TRANSFORMING
ISSISS is indeed in full transformation,93yearsafter its foundation;wearedesigningtheorganisationforthenext100years,anorganisationthatisabletoadaptitsservicestoanever-changingworldpopulationthatwillcontinuetomutate,mixandmovewillinglyorunwillingly,inordertofindpeace,stabilityandsafeshores.
Ourtransformation,adiligentworkinprogresssince2014,isabout:
ISS’scapacitytobettersupportandprotectchildrenandfamiliesseparatedbyinternationalborders
GuaranteeingthequalityandthetimelinessofISSservicesworldwide Sustainingthefullnetwork’scoreactivitiestimeandtimeagain MakingISS’svoiceheardacrossthefourcornersoftheworldtoinfluenceand
changechildprotectionpoliciesandpractice Designing and implementing global programmes to fulfill ISS’s mission and
sustainitsvision
ISS’sGeneralSecretariat,based inGenevasince its foundation in1924,works towardsfulfillingISS’smissionandvision.Itcoordinatestheactivitiesofthenetwork,moderatesthe debate between governance,management and core activities and articulates theISSvoiceandopinions,aswellas itsadvocacymessagesallaroundtheworld, throughinternationalconferences,children’srightsdebatesandinteragencymeetings,aswellaslearninginitiativesandMOOCstyletrainingforprofessionals.
Toadjustitsexpandingstructuretochangingneedsinthesocialsectorandboostitsglobalefficiency,butalso toadapt to repeatedeconomicandfinancial crises since2008, theGeneralSecretariatoptedforreorganizingaroundaflexiblemodusoperandithatreliesoncoreandsupportstaff.Theresultshouldbeastableandefficientstaffworkforcewithahighoutput,complementedbyanamazinggroupofinternsandvolunteerswhocontributestronglytotheSecretariat’soperations.
ThankyouforyourwillingnesstolearnmoreaboutISSandifyouwouldliketohelp,yourgenerositywillalwaysbewellusedandreportedon.MeanwhiletheentireISSnetworkisgratefultoyou.
Jean AyoubChiefExecutiveOfficer
www.iss-ssi.org36
