2018 International Council Meeting in Malta
International Social Service, USA (ISS-USA) staff members Julie Rosicky and Felicity Northcott just returned from the
International Social Service International Council (IC) Meeting in Malta, held the week of May 21-25, 2018. IC meetings focused on improving accountability at all levels of the organization and setting priorities in cross border casework, network expansion, visibility and communications. Plans were laid to outline a new strategic plan and facilitate greater involvement throughout the entire organization.
On Monday, May 21st, proceedings kicked off with a welcome from Alfred Grixti, the Chief Executive Officer of the
Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) within the Ministry for the Family, Children’s Rights, and Social Solidarity (MFCS). The next two days featured presentations regarding international collaboration on best practices for children and families. These families are under stress, on the move, being adopted across borders, or in need of alternative care.
There were many outstanding presentations during the IC proceedings, including Mr. Mario Cutajar, Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service of Malta and Ms. Michelle Muscat, Wife of the Prime Minister of Malta, who offered words of encouragement to attendees. Additionally, an inspiring speech by the Minister for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity, Hon. Dr. Michael Falzon, encouraged attendees “to get their priorities straight” for children and families. Malta was the envy of the room when it was learned that 1/3 of Malta’s budget goes to it's Social Ministry.
Preceding the IC meeting,
ISS-USA
staff members, Julie Rosicky and Felicity Northcott, attended their respective meetings with the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Casework Coordinators Group (CC). Ms. Northcott is currently the Chair of the Casework Coordinators Group and was instrumental in planning the agenda and leading the meetings.
The proceedings of the IC meeting resulted in a new governing board. Joining returning members Marise Haefner, Natasha Retzler-Tavoletta, and Howard Nadler, are newly elected members, Ambassador Susan Jacobs, current board member of ISS-USA, Alfred Grixti of Malta, Kenneth Chung, Vice Chairman of International Social Service Hong Kong Branch, and Ursula Roelke, newly elected PAC chair and Director of ISS Germany.
Proceedings concluded with inspiring words from the President of Malta, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.
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Preventing Family Separation and Supporting Deinstitutionalization in Mexico
Just over one year after the initial training,
ISS-USA
returned to Monterrey, Mexico for the follow-up mission to the project entitled, “Intervention in Cases of Children and Adolescents with Disabilities Separated, or at Risk of Separation, From Their Families.” The project is part of the
ISS global initiative, “A Better Future Is Possible,”
for children with disabilities living in institutional care. In Mexico, the project is in partnership with the local public child welfare entity,
Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF)
, in the capital city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.
Alongside Elaine Weisman, ISS-USA's Program and Training Manager, t
hree international experts from the pilot training returned for the follow up mission: Helma Van der Hoeven, a family therapist from Danielle Children's Fund (DCF) in Ecuador, Carolina Bascuñán Dominguez, an international expert on the rights of children in residential care, and Barbara Roller, an occupational therapist specializing in children with multiple disabilities.
The week’s activities included case review and group discussions with professionals from state and local DIF offices and private organizations, as well as joint sessions with families in the program, respite caregivers, and the professionals supporting their cases. Discussion and expert feedback focused on the importance of a family-centered process that elevates the voice of the child and strengthens the family system while keeping the child at the center of decision making.
Throughout the week, DIF Monterrey shared the achievements and ongoing challenges in the development of programs and community-based services to prevent family separation and support deinstitutionalization. The team has implemented new protocols for early identification of children with disabilities in the community who are at risk of separation, ensuring their families have access to basic needs such as transportation to medical appointments and an appropriate diagnosis for their child. They are also developing a “Respite Family” program where trusted community and family members can receive support and training to provide temporary relief to primary caregivers of children with a disability. Respite care is an integral part of DIF Monterrey’s strategy to provide an individualized care plan for each child so they can remain safe and meet developmental milestones in a family environment.
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BINGO Meeting with Senator Van Hollen
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Baltimore-Area International Non-Governmental Agencies (BINGO) representatives, including ISS-USA staff members Julie Rosicky and Marie Blum, met with
Senator Chris Van Hollen on April 30, 2018 to discuss issues of concern for Maryland relief and development organizations. ISS-USA is especially concerned about the number of at-risk children being separated from their families due to immigration enforcement. If you are concerned about the safety and care of these children as well,
contact your local representatives.
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Mediation Conference of the Year!
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Reuniting Families Is What We Do Best
Wondering how you can support children who have been affected by immigration enforcement and help them stay connected to family in another country?
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Looking for an Exciting New Position?
International Social Service-USA is hiring for multiple positions! Check out our
careers page
for information on open positions.
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"
I firmly believe that we never cross the finish line alone – there are always others who are not only part of the endeavor – but necessary to succeed in the endeavor. I am heartened that my colleagues at International Social Service and in Arkansas feel the same way.”
- ISS-USA Client
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