January 29, 2019 January 2019 Issue

Training in Connecticut

Elaine Weisman (top left), International Social Service, USA (ISS-USA) 's Program and Training Manager, traveled to Hartford, Connecticut in early January to train staff and supervisors from Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) . Connecticut DCF began contracting with ISS-USA in 2018 to provide services for children in their care when they have family in another country, or in some cases, a parent in another state. The two training sessions, which included attendees from regional offices across the state, covered family finding and engagement strategies across state and international borders, including how to refer and manage cases with ISS-USA. In addition, participants received training and materials on how to prepare for overseas travel and facilitate cross-border placements.  If your agency or firm is interested in receiving training on resources for children with family across state or international borders, please visit our website or contact question@iss-usa.org . Additional quick guides can be found on the ISS-USA website .

JANUARY BLOG Inside Look: Intercountry Caseworker Interview Learn about the challenges and rewards of working with cross-border families with bilingual ISS-USA Intercountry Caseworker, Virginia Moraleda, BSW/MA, in our most recent blog .

Casework Corner: Oscar is Reunited with His Mother Twelve year old Oscar, a victim of abuse at his father's hand, was removed from his father's home in the United States and placed in foster care. It was discovered that Oscar's mother Cristela* lived in El Salvador* and was desperate to reunite with him. ISS-USA worked with our in-country partners in El Salvador to complete a home study and ensure that Cristela's home was safe for Oscar to grow up in. After the assessment of his mother was completed and her home was found safe for Oscar to return to, ISS-USA coordinated reception plans for Oscar and the health and social services he was to receive upon arrival. On January 12, 2019, Oscar finally arrived in El Salvador accompanied by a social worker, and was reunited with his mother and close family. *names, dates and locations have been changed to protect the privacy of the client

LIVE CHAT: ISS-USA ANSWERS YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS In case you missed it, you can still view our staff members Elaine Weisman and Felicity Sackville Northcott as they answer the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ISS-USA receives about our work and cross-border social services.

Looking for an Exciting New Position? International Social Service-USA is hiring independent social work consultants! Check out our  careers page  for information.

International Social Service, USA 443.451.1219 question@iss-usa.org www.iss-usa.org

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