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CAPAA Guidelines and Code of Conduct

The CAPAA Code of Conduct aims to set standards for “Au Pairing”, including basic criteria for the selection of both Au Pairs and Host Families. It is expected that every member of CAPAA will abide by the CAPAA Code of Conduct and will operate an Au Pair Programme in a manner which enhances the reputation of the Association under the umbrella of cultural exchange.
CAPAA Aims and Objectives
  • To promote Au Pair Programmes among young people worldwide in order to assist in the development of friendly, peaceful relations and strengthen cultural ties between Australia and other countries;
  • To secure mutual understanding and co-operation between all members of the Association in a way which may be found practical including events and exchange of information;
  • To lobby the government to recognise the Au Pair Programmes as cultural exchange and not as employment;
  • To establish guidelines for the conduct of business between agencies, Au Pairs and Host Families;
  • To increase public awareness of the Association, its members, and the Au Pair Programme.
Eligibility

It is a requirement of the Association that CAPAA member agencies adhere to the following requirements:

  • Compliance with Visa Regulations: Member agencies must advise their Au Pairs on the compliance with current Australian visa regulations under the Working Holiday Maker (417) visa and Work and Holiday (462) visa or Student Visa for Demi Pairs;
  • Are registered as a legal entity, with a record of registration from the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), which is financially stable, strong and able to fulfill its service promise. The company/owner must hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance, each agency insures they have the correct license registration.
  • The business owner or at least one Company Director is a permanent resident or citizen residing in Australia;
  • The company must either have been placing Au Pairs for at least 2 years or have facilitated at least 20 Au Pair placements;
  • Ensure that its documentation and website are kept up to date and consistent with CAPAA guidelines;
  • Operate thorough screening procedures of Au Pairs and Host Families;
    • Ensure that Host Families complete a Registration Form;
    • Ensure that all Host Families are interviewed in person, by telephone or video call;
    • Ensure that Host Families are informed about the nature of the programme being a cultural exchange programme, and their responsibilities within it;
    • Advise families of their responsibility to check with the relevant requirements in their state and territory by contacting the ATO and Fair Work regarding their Au Pair arrangement.
  • Provide courteous and efficient handling of Host Family’s and Au Pairs;
  • Provide on-going support to the Host Family and the Au Pair for the duration of the placement including emergency support;
  • Provide guidance to a family on how to welcome their Au Pair;
  • Provide guidance to Au Pairs on how to make the most of the Au Pair experience
Agency Procedures
Procedures – Host Families

Member agencies shall:

  • Provide access to Host Families to Terms and Conditions, including details of fees and the replacement Policy;
  • Fully inform Host Families about potential candidates and the agency’s placement procedures;
  • Provide Host Families with comprehensive applications for all Au Pairs, who are fully vetted.
Procedures – Au Pairs

Member agencies shall:

  • Either directly interview Au Pairs or ensure they are interviewed by a partner agency;
  • Ensure that Au Pairs are supplied with details of their Host Family and expected duties prior to arrival;
  • Ensure that all Au Pairs are fully aware of the CAPAA Au Pair Programme, and that they know that it is not an employer/employee relationship;
  • Ensure that all Au Pairs travel with appropriate travel and medical insurance;
  • Ensure all Au Pair and Host Families are informed about the mandatory Working with Children Check relevant to their State/Territory ahead of their arrival;
  • Provide Au Pairs with appropriate orientation materials, including how to contact other Au Pairs in Australia (g. Facebook or various WhatsApp groups).
Use of CAPAA Logo
  • All agencies, who are financial members of CAPAA, are welcome to use the CAPAA logo on stationery, promotional materials, and advertisements. The CAPAA logo is a mark of quality and prestige; it should not be displayed more prominently than the agency’s own logo.
Maintenance of CAPAA Reputation
  • Agencies must value the reputation of CAPAA and must conduct their business in a manner that endeavours to enhance the reputation of CAPAA member Agencies;
  • All media enquiries should be referred to the designated ‘Media Representative’ within the CAPAA Executive Committee;
  • Complaints resulting in the tarnishing of CAPAA’s reputation will be taken extremely seriously and will result in a full investigation by the CAPAA Executive Committee; the complaints procedure below will be initiated;
  • CAPAA members must endeavour to maintain professional integrity in their dealings with one another.
Complaints Procedure
  • Complaints against CAPAA member agencies should be addressed to the CAPAA Executive Committee in writing (or by email);
  • The Committee will respond, acknowledging receipt of the complaint, advising how it will be dealt with and stating the approximate timescale;
  • If the complaint warrants further investigation, the member agency concerned will be contacted and invited to respond within 21 days and, if necessary, will be required to attend a meeting with the committee to discuss the complaint;
  • After full examination of the complaint, the Committee will inform both parties of the results of their investigation;
  • In the event that CAPAA receives 3 separate complaints or more in one year that are found to be in contravention of the CAPAA Code of Conduct, the agency’s membership of CAPAA will be suspended and the agency disassociated from CAPAA. CAPAA reserves the right to inform IAPA (International Association of Au Pair Agencies) of disassociated membership;
  • Disassociated agencies wanting to be CAPAA members again in the future, will be required to submit a complete new application
What is an Au Pair?

Guidelines for Au Pairs and Host Families participating in the CAPAA Au Pair Programme in Australia.

Agencies may wish to improve on these benefits, but these should be offered as a minimum:

  • Nature of the Programme: The Au Pair programme is a cultural exchange programme and not intended to be employment;
  • Au Pairs must be live-in and welcomed as a member of the family, with suitable free time given to allow to experience life in Australia;
  • Au Pairs must be from overseas and on a Working Holiday or Student Visa. Ages are as indicated by the current visa applied to the Au Pair program, i.e. the Working Holiday Visa or Work and Holiday Visa.
  • Hours of help: Au Pairs usually provide assistance from 25 – 35 hours per week, including babysitting and are generally spread out over 5 days a week or occasionally over 6 days a week upon mutual agreement. Au Pairs should receive at least 1 1/5 to 2 days off per week;
  • Pocket Money: Agencies to ensure there is a fair arrangement regarding hours and pocket money, as per CAPAA’s pocket money guidelines;
  • Pocket money to be paid weekly and to be agreed by the Host Family and the Au Pair;
  • It is important that Agencies do not set pocket money but advise families of suitable amounts such as: $250 minimum for 25 hours of help and more pocket money for more hours;
  • Bonus: CAPAA recommends Host Families to provide a bonus at the end of a placement;
  • Accepted Housework tasks: Housework should relate to the children and daily family chores that any other member of the family would be expected to take care of;
  • Childcare: CAPAA does not advise that an Au Pair is not recommended to have sole charge of children under the age of two, but it is at the discretion of the Host Family and the Au Pair;
  • Room and board: The Au Pair Programme follows the Homestay guidelines for Room and Board (3 meals a day, 7 days a week). The Au Pair receives full room and board from the family throughout the stay. The Au Pair must have her own private room;
  • Travelling Costs: The Au Pair is required to pay their own travelling cost to and from Australia. Travel from major airports to regional locations are covered by the Host Family;
  • Written Invitation: Each agency shall ensure that the Host Family and the Au Pair receives a written offer or invitation that adheres to the CAPAA guidelines.