Legislative authorisation is an essential element, which distinguishes U.S. government designated Aupair programs, like Aupair USA, from other in-home childcare options. Government regulations create a framework for recruiting, placing and monitoring of Host Family/Aupair matches. Prospective Aupairs and host families each receive a copy of the government regulations along with a small informational leaflet produced by the government entitled "What You Should Know"

Prior to 1997, Au Pair program legislation required periodic renewal and action by the U.S. Congress. On October 1, 1997, Aupair programs gained permanent authorisation by Congress. This means that while Aupair programs are annually reviewed by the Department of State and Congress can reconsider the program regulations, Aupair programs are less likely to be subject to the political scrutiny which was common prior to October, 1997.

WHO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?

A. PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS

The Aupair

General Requirements

All Aupair applicants must:

• Complete an application and submit to a thorough one-to-one personal interview
• Be between the ages of 18 and 26 years of age (available to fly to the U.S. prior to his/her 27^th birthday)
• Speak and understand English to an acceptable conversational level
• Commit to a twelve-month placement
• Be of good character and provide appropriate references which will be verified,
• Agree to follow the program's code of conduct, which includes adherence to all U.S. federal state and local laws, forbids the use of illegal drugs and excessive use of alcohol and expects the Aupair to be courteous, considerate, and respectful to his/her hosting family
• Adhere to an agreement which outlines the responsibilities of the Aupair and confirms the applicant's understanding of these responsibilities
• Have earned a secondary school diploma or certificate
• Possess a valid international driver's license and have had a minimum of fifty hours of driving experience
• Have no criminal record and be able to secure proof of the lack of any criminal history from a recognised authority in the applicant's home country