Protect Yourself: Always use a reputable and established au pair agency

Choose right agency in your country

Newspaper, internet advertisements or one of the many web-based matching services may appear to be acceptable and inexpensive alternatives for securing an au pair placement.

There are, however, potential risks in arranging a placement in this manner.

10 potential risks you face when not using a reputable and established au pair agency

  • high probability of 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
  • nonexistent standards or guidelines
  • insufficient references and/or medical certification
  • danger of document falsification
  • no rematch policy (secondary placement) if the initial placement is unsuccessful
  • no local support during the placement
  • limited understanding of national au pair regulations

Download Flyer ( English and Russian ):
These flyers are part of a public service campaign to warn potential au pairs and host families of the dangers of arranging direct au pair placements, through newspaper advertisements, internet or web-based matching services etc., rather than using legally registered or reputable au pair agencies.

We hope you will print out and distribute the flyer in the language appropriate to your organisation.