International Social Service German Branch Establishing effective cooperation in international cases concerning child-protection and family conflicts The role of NGOs in international social work using the example of International Social Service

International Social Service German Branch international legal instruments “A Contracting State shall designate a Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities” (Art. 6 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction). “Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the competent authorities in their respective States to secure the prompt return of children and to achieve the other objects of this Convention” (Art. 7).

International Social Service German Branch potential difficulties  one state concerned is not party to an international convention or agreement  a case does not fall under the scope of a convention  the parties decide not to address the central authorities  the cooperation does not lead to a (satisfactory) result  despite a court decision the conflict is not being solved Although there is an ever increasing number of international agreements and conventions difficulties can arise if:

International Social Service German Branch challenges for social services 1  different legal systems and concepts in the countries concerned (for example parental responsibility)  question of validity of a court decision from a foreign court  delays (due to translations, bureaucratic processes, etc.)  nationality and immigration status of family members  nationality and immigration law  cultural concepts of family (for example significant adults, single-parent families, etc.)  culturally acceptable practices in conflict resolution

International Social Service German Branch challenges for social services 2  language and jargon – is the family confident to engage in communication with practitioners? do they understand the meaning of concepts? (for example emotional abuse, smacking of children, etc.)  stereotypes, prejudices, and value based judgements - interpretation of superiority or inferiority  the fact that the child has bonds inside and outside the country makes established local solutions and approaches difficult at times  difficulties in communicating with authorities abroad

International Social Service German Branch challenges for social services 3  private sphere versus state control - what is considered assistance, intervention, interference?  retributions of state agents towards families returning home after claiming asylum overseas or dealings with relatives remaining in the country of origin  if children are placed with carer overseas and parents remain in the country - how to ensure continuing contact?  monitoring of overseas placement

International Social Service German Branch advantages of non-governmental organisations  low threshold access  certain degree of flexibility in carrying out work  free choice of working partners in other countries  universal accessibility  not limited to referrals by courts  social work embedded in legal frame aimed to enable parties to find a solution

International Social Service German Branch International Social Service 1 ISS was founded in 1924 in response to large scale European migration triggered by World War I ISS helps individuals, children and families confronted with social problems involving two, or more, countries as a consequence of international migration or displacement ISS is an international not-for-profit organisation with a network of national branches, affiliated bureaus and correspondents in over 100 countries coordinated by its General Secretariat in Geneva

International Social Service German Branch International Social Service 2 Vision: Protecting, defending and assisting persons, and in particular children, who as a result of migration, international displacement or other circumstances has led to their separation from their families in an international context. Principles:  child focussed – best interests‘ principle  impartiality – non- sectarian and apolitical  reciprocity  cross-disciplinary  process orientated

International Social Service German Branch International Social Service 3 Fields of work:  international family conflicts (custody, child abduction, contact and access)  child protection and welfare (abuse, neglect, kinship placement, etc.)  migration (unaccompanied minors, reunification and repatriation)  tracing  international adoption  protection of vulnerable adults

International Social Service German Branch International Social Service 4 Services:  information and counselling (social, legal, cultural aspects)  de-escalation and mediation  social reports  coordination  conferences Beneficiaries:  social services  other authorities  courts  individuals  non-governmental organisations

International Social Service German Branch contact Internationaler Sozialdienst (ISS German Branch) Michaelkirchstrasse 17/ Berlin Germany phone: fax: URL: