Protect yourself: why you should always use a registered Au Pair Agency

Friday, 10 August 2012

The International Au Pair Association (IAPA), of which Au Pair Link is a member, has issued a statement urging all families to use a registered Au Pair agency when in matching.

Newspapers, internet advertisements or other web-based matching services may appear to be acceptable and inexpensive way of securing an Au Pair placement.  However, there are numerous potential risks involved when you choose not to use a registered Au Pair agency.  These include:

• High probability of an unsuitable Au Pair or Host Family candidates
• Absence of a written contract
• Little or no experience in the Au Pair industry
• Lack of professionalism or financial stability
• Non-existent standards or guidelines
• Insufficient references and/or medical certification
• Danger or document falsification
• No re-match policy
• No local support during the placement
• Limited understanding of national Au Pair regulations

These are all important considerations when choosing your childcare provider.  By using a registered Au Pair agency, you can be ensured that all candidates you are presented have undergone extensive screening - including a personal interview.  At Au Pair Link, all of our Au Pairs are required to submit a police report, childcare and character references which are checked by our international partners - also registered agencies.  We believe these standards ensure the best quality service for both our Host Families and Au Pairs.