Secrétariat Général

In the beginning of this year, the ISS/IRC is pleased to share its new publication Intercountry adoption and search for origins – A guide for adoptees. In the framework of its activities, the ISS/IRC represents a privileged observatory of the joy but also challenges that adopted persons might face when undertaking a search for origins process. Based on these observations, the ISS/IRC has received the support from ISS Australia to produce a guide that provides adopted persons with an overview of a search for origins in the context of intercountry adoptions, as well as of the practical implications of such a process. This new Guide is in the continuity of the Guide Intercountry adoption and its risks - A guide for prospective adopters: detailing and providing with concrete information on each and every stage of a search for origins process. Specifically, all phases are presented through a bipartite structure. On the one hand, the signals that adopted persons might encounter on their way. On the other hand, the danger signals are punctually complemented with the questions that adopted persons need to ask themselves, the central authorities or their accredited body to avoid risks. This Guide is now available in English, French and Spanish.

For more information, please contact the ISS/IRC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join a day-long conference, "Cross-Border Family Mediation: Dispute Resolution for International Families In Your Community," on June 5, 2018 in Washington, D.C., co-hosted by International Social Service-USA (ISS-USA), MK Family Law, The George Washington University School of Law, and Leslie Ellen Shear, Attorney and Counselor at Law.

The International Expert Group on protecting the rights of surrogate-born children has held a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland from 31 Jan to 2 Feb, 2018. This Group has come together for the second time to draft international principles addressing challenges that may arise in ensuring rights of concerned children. The Principles also focus on the State obligation to prevent the sale of children in the context of surrogacy. Work will continue in the drafting process and regional consultations will be held in this regard.

A national conference will be held on the current state of search of origins in Biel/Bienne (CH) on May 8th, 2018.

Join thousands of colleagues working to either prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families and/or find quality alternative care through this international massive open online course (MOOC). This training was developed by leading international agencies including ISS and experts working in child protection. Course runs in English, French and Spanish.

Plan your agenda for February now. For more information: English, French and Spanish

From March 16-17, 2018, ISS participated in the 3rd Biennial International Conference on Evolving Trends in Alternative Care for Children in South Asia, organised by Udayan care in partnership with UNICEF and Hope and Homes for Children, among others.

IFRC and ISS on behalf of an inter-agency steering group are requesting offers for an Institutional Consultancy to develop a Massive Open Online Course focusing on appropriate care for children in the context of international migration be prepared building on the introductory MOOC on Alternative Care as well as multiple existing resources for unaccompanied and separated children. Expressions of interest in this consultancy addressing the expertise required should be sent with accompanying curriculum vitae(s) as well as a price proposal to Mia Dambach at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Tiziana Bonzon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 8 January 2017 (17h, CET). Only applications that include a more in-depth response to the development of the MOOC demonstrating knowledge and competency will be considered. A draft budget must also be submitted with a proposed timeframe for executing the different tasks. For the terms of reference, please see Terms of Reference.

Training of judges, prosecutors and Central Adoption Authority On 30 November to 1 December 2017, ISS provided training on the 1993 Hague Convention, principle of subsidiarity and UN Guidelines on the alternative care of children. This training was undertaken in collaboration with the HCCH, thanks to funding from the French Central Adoption Authority. Over 50 professionals were trained including judges, prosecutors, social workers and members of the Central Adoption Authority. A workshop with 100 professionals, Embassy staff and religious associations was likewise organised thanks to support from UNICEF, where the application of international standards were discussed and possible use of the 1996 Hague Convention for matters such as delegation of parental authority, kafalah and children on the move - with approximately 20 recommendations of how to move forward.