While going through an agency is the recommended way of finding an Aupair in Australia, it is not mandatory. Some families choose to save money by finding an Aupair through online classifieds or social media, but this approach comes with significant risks for both the Aupair and the host family.

Without an agency’s assistance, there is a greater risk of hiring an unqualified or unsuitable Aupair. There is no background check or verification process, so the host family has no way of knowing if the Aupair is reliable and safe. In addition, host families may not be aware of the legal requirements and obligations they have to fulfill when hiring an Aupair. This lack of knowledge could lead to unintentional exploitation or mistreatment of the Aupair.

One example of things going wrong for a host family who did not use an agency is the case of the Crouch family in Queensland. They hired an Aupair from Germany through a private Facebook group. However, the Aupair turned out to be a convicted criminal who stole from the family and then fled the country. The Crouch family was left with a financial loss and a sense of betrayal.

On the other hand, an Aupair can also fall victim to exploitation or mistreatment by a host family when going through a non-reputable source. For instance, in 2015, a group of Colombian Aupairs working in Australia were reported to have been grossly underpaid and overworked by their host families. They had been recruited through social media and were not provided with adequate support, such as fair pay, adequate food, and time off.

Moreover, there have been instances where people have been scammed by apparent Aupairs or host families. In 2018, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) received a complaint about an apparent Aupair scam, which targeted families looking for Aupairs through classified websites. The scam involved sending fraudulent bank transfers to the host family, who would then pay the Aupair. Once the host family realized they had been scammed, they were left with a significant financial loss.

In conclusion, while finding an Aupair in Australia without using an agency may appear to be a cost-saving measure, it comes with significant risks. Both host families and Aupairs can fall victim to exploitation, mistreatment, and scams. To ensure a safe and mutually beneficial experience for both parties, it is highly recommended to use a reputable agency, such as 99aupairs, that adheres to CAPAA’s ethical standards and guidelines.

Source:

• ABC News. (2018, July 16). Au Pair scam warning issued by Australian Federal Police.
• Fake nanny Samantha Azzopardi pleads guilty to child-stealing offences. (24th May 2023). The Age website.

• Au pairs in Australia ‘exploited by families’. (28th Nov 2018). BBC News Website.