International Social Service AUstralia

International Social Service Australia (ISS Australia) is a national, not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and families who are separated by international borders. As the independent Australian arm of the global International Social Service network, ISS Australia works in partnership with around 140 ISS organisations worldwide, enabling it to deliver coordinated, cross‑border social work, legal, and mediation services.

ISS Australia’s core mission is to protect, support, and reunite families affected by international separation, ensuring children remain safe, connected, and able to maintain meaningful family relationships wherever possible. The organisation provides specialist assistance in areas such as international parental child abduction, international child welfare and kinship care, post‑adoption tracing and reunification, family mediation, child consultation, and broader intercountry casework. These services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced social workers, lawyers, and mediators who prioritise empathy, child‑focused practice, and trauma‑informed support.

Operating nationally from offices in Sydney and Melbourne, ISS Australia combines government‑funded programs with fee‑based and donor‑supported services to meet the needs of families navigating complex international legal, cultural, and welfare systems. The organisation has a long history of impact, having operated in various forms since the late 1930s and formally incorporated in 1961, continuing a legacy of advocating for children’s identity, safety, and belonging across borders.

With its unique cross‑border expertise and global partnerships, ISS Australia plays a vital role in safeguarding children, resolving international family conflict, and strengthening connections between families separated by migration, mobility, or international crises.

WEBSITE