Position of the au pair programme
ECAPS, the European Committee for Au Pair Standards, has drafted a set of definitions, rules and regulations pertaining to au pairs, host families and au pair agencies. Within this uniform set of standards each individual European country will implement their au pair programme. National Au Pair Associations (NAPAs) or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the au pair sector are (to be) established, where they do not already exist, in order to assist, stimulate and control correct implementation of this legislation.
Au pairing, the oldest known cultural exchange programme in the world is a very specific programme with particular demands for both au pairs and host families. Therefore both parties will need to adhere to and respect all definitions, rules and regulations stipulated by ECAPS.
The criteria for an au pair placement are based upon participation in this unique cultural exchange programme. This programme guarantees that the au pair is treated as a family member during their stay with the host family abroad, and that the au pair also acts accordingly towards the recipient host family.
The au pair will be given the opportunity to explore another culture and the possibility to study while being placed in the protective environment of a host family. Host families inviting an au pair to their home are expected to share their “culture” with the au pair and show interest in the culture/cultural background of the au pair.
In exchange for the benefits and opportunities provided by the host family, the au pair is expected to carry out a specified amount of “light” household chores and childcare.
Expectations of both the au pair and the host family need to be determined in advance of the placement. Therefore both parties (host family and au pair) must provide each other (via the au pair agencies) detailed written information.
Definitions defined by ECAPS are based on the existing European Agreement on Au Pair Placement from 1968 (Ets 068), however updated and detailed to modern standards.
NOTE:
The committee wants to stress that an au pair is not an employee and therefore not governed by employment legislation.
The au pair is treated as a regular family member, on par with the host family and within the philosophy of the cultural exchange programme. Au pairs and/or host families not acting in accordance with the complete defined rules and regulations set out by this Committee abuse the philosophy of “au pairing” and cannot expect support from au pair agencies and/or their local NAPA / NGO.
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