Au Pair

New Au Pair agencies are cropping up in Ukraine. Unfortunately it is difficult to monitor their performance because there are no adequate regulations at the national level.

In order to avoid human rights abuse in au pair, which, according to La Strada Ukraine, are quite numerous, it is necessary to check an agency's agreement with foreign partners, certified by a notary of the country where a person intends to go, and vised by the Embassy of Ukraine.

An Au Pair agency provides applicants with details of the conditions of their program, including age restriction, tasks, working hours, free time, pocket money, vacation time, insurance, and procedures for rematches and "resignation", and all fees charged. These conditions somewhat vary in different receiving countries. An applicant should receive details about the host family and an appropriate contact list of an independent body to which they may address their concerns throughout their stay.

There are some regulations at the international level. IAPA (www.iapa.org) is the International Au Pair Association of qualified au pair agencies. The Association approved international guidelines for au pair exchange programs. Its member agencies introduce a certain level of standardization in order to protect the rights of all au pairs and host families. IAPA is an independent body to which a person may apply for information about au pair program and address its concerns. Under the link you can find a list of members in the Ukraine.