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1980 Hague Convention Support Service
Social Work Support Service
Are you involved in a 1980 Hague Convention Court process in Australia? If so, International Social Service (ISS) Australia is funded to provide a free, nationwide support service, focusing on emotional support and practical assistance with the issues involved in your case.
ISS Australia recognises that cross border parenting disputes can be challenging for all those involved.
Our qualified Social Workers can assist with:
- Information, advice, support and referrals for families and professionals
- Emotional support and short-term counselling
- Practical support and information
- Targeted referrals to assist with specific issues requiring long-term support
- Information and referrals for parents considering international relocation
- If a return order is made, our Social Workers can offer referrals to overseas support services
- Assistance for parents experiencing family violence
Legal Service available for free to parents in Australia
Our Legal Service is available for free to parents in Australia who need information and advice about the 1980 Hague Convention. We can also speak to professionals who have questions in relation to international parental child abduction and the 1980 Hague Convention and any relatives who may have parental responsibility for the children. We can also make referrals to alternative legal services in cases where ISS Australia cannot assist.
These services are provided free Australia-wide thanks to funding from the Commonwealth Attorney-Genera's Department.
'The Social Work support provided by ISS Australia was a lifeline that I found extremely beneficial and my weekly phone calls gave me someone to speak to about the whirlwind of emotions I was experiencing'
Book a time with our Social Work team
Kay Hardefeldt
Kay has worked for ISS Australia since February 2010. Kay’s qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Management in 2020, Vocational Graduate Certificate in Family Dispute Resolution Services in 2012 and a Bachelor of Social Work in 2007.
Before working at ISS Australia, Kay worked in statutory child protection services at the Department of Health and Human Services. Kay is committed to reducing the barriers associated with cross border social work and family mediation services.
Amelia McDermott
Amelia has worked for ISS since2016, including roles with both IPCA and the Intercountry Adoption Family Support Service. Prior to coming to ISS, she spent five years working with people seeking asylum and refugees, an area of human rights she is very passionate about.
Amelia has a Master of Social Work (completed in 2011) and a Bachelor of Arts (History/Linguistics),completed in 2008, both from the University of Melbourne. She is committed to upholding rights, especially children’s, and enjoys working with a broad variety of people.
Zanna
Zanna is a qualified social worker, holds a graduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy, and has spent over 15 years working in areas of family violence, sexual assault, and with refugee and asylum seeker communities.
Throughout her professional journey, Zanna has developed a special interest in working with children and young people, as well as their parents and caregivers. Zanna is deeply interested in the field of neuroscience and the brain’s capacity for change. This interest informs their approach to therapy and support.
Beyond direct practice, Zanna is committed to addressing systemic and structural barriers that hinder the capacity for autonomy, expression, and development within communities.
Eleni Bailey
Eleni Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts (Social Inquiry), a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice, a Masters of Social Work, and a Graduate Certificate in Family Dispute Resolution. Since 2015, Eleni has been a dedicated Social Worker, Child Consultant, and Family Mediator at International Social Service (ISS) Australia. She currently coordinates the International Family Mediation service and serves as a Senior Social Worker in the International Parental Child Abduction team, where she plays a crucial role in supporting families in challenging cross-border situations.
Before joining ISS Australia, Eleni worked in various roles within the private sector and state and federal government departments, enriching her with a diverse professional perspective.
Committed to supporting families affected by cross-border separation, Eleni uses her social work and family mediation expertise to provide child-focused and evidence-informed comprehensive assistance. Her leadership and dedication continue to drive the mission of ISS Australia forward.
Eric Brunet
Eric has spent over 20 years working for not for profit organisations; supporting vulnerable persons in the community.
Eric has a Masters in Counselling, Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Graduate Diploma of Forensic Risk Assessment and Management.
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