ISS Australia provides social work and legal services to families, children and adults across international borders.
Our History
The origins of International Social Service in Australia go back more than half a century, when an Australian branch of the international ISS network was first established.
ISS was founded in Geneva in 1924, in response to the migration of displaced persons after World War I and the need to assist families separated across international borders. To coordinate support for these vulnerable people, ISS established an international social work network, which today spans over 140 countries and continues to assist children and families with a wide range of inter-country social work services.
ISS has had a presence in Australia since the late 1930s. It was established as International Social Service – Australian Branch in 1955, and formally incorporated in 1961.
Today ISS Australia has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In 2011, ISS Australia celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding in this country.
ISS Australia works closely with international Conventions relevant to children and families, in particular those established by an international body known as the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HccH).
- Category:
- Non-governmental organization (ngo)