Although most Aupairs successfully complete their year, there are actions that an Aupair can take that will negatively impact his/her year and will jeopardise her continued participation in the program. These include:

·        Abuse of children

·        Abuse of alcohol

·        Violation of the law including use of illegal drugs

·        Failing to respect the Host Family's home and possessions

Abuse of children

The primary responsibility and expectation of the Aupair from both Aupair USA's and the Host Family's perspective is the safe, responsible, care of the Host Children. Any action that interferes with the safety of the children can be sufficient reason for the Aupair's early return, even if the action does not necessarily result in harm to the children. In other words, dangerous and potentially dangerous actions taken by the Aupair may be treated in the same manner.

Abuse of a child can be physical, verbal or sexual. Physical abuse includes hitting or striking a child, grabbing, pulling or pushing a child, or shaking a child. Shaken Baby Syndrome has been given much attention by American media and it is of great concern to parents of infants. Shaking a child under the age of three can cause major injury or even death.

Verbal abuse of a child includes using words that are threatening, hurtful, demeaning or inappropriate. Cursing or swearing in front of children, or attacking children by using words that make them feel unimportant or not cared for will not be tolerated.

Inappropriate touching of children is not the only form of sexual abuse. In the United States, sexual abuse can also include any action in which a child is exposed to a sexual situation including having an Aupair undress in front of the child or the child appearing nude or semi-nude in photographs

Abuse of alcohol

In the United States, it is against the law to drink any form of alcohol, including beer and wine if you are under the age of 21 years. It is also unlawful to drive a car while under the influence of alcohol. The blood alcohol level (minimum amount of alcohol in the blood if a person is legally "drunk") differs from state to state. It is expected that Aupairs in a group will "designate" one person to drive and that person will not consume any alcohol during the evening.

Violation of the law including use of illegal drugs