The Au Pair Program (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 30, 1998 |
| Report Number |
95-256 |
| Authors |
Susan B. Epstein, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In 1997, the au pair program received considerable media attention as a result of the Louise
Woodward court case regarding possible involvement of an au pair in the death of a child in
Massachusetts. That same year, Senator Helms introduced S. 1211 ( P.L. 105-48 ,
signed October 1, 1997) providing permanent authority for the U.S. Government to administer the
au pair program. (Previously, the program had to be reauthorized by Congress about every year or
two.) In addition, the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), the administering agency for the au pair
program, amended existing federal regulations for the au pair program in September, 1997 to
underscore the cultural exchange aspect of the program and strengthen au pair recruiting and training.
Since 1986, the USIA has administered an au pair program that has brought thousands of young
people from around the world to the United States. The program has maintained a dual purpose of
promoting cultural exchange and offering reliable child care for U.S. families. Legislation passed late
in the 103rd Congress granted USIA authority to design and implement more rigorous rules
regulating the program. Those program guidelines were intended to improve the quality of child care
and enhance the cultural exchange aspects of the experience. This year, Congress may consider
legislation to increase oversight of the sponsoring au pair agencies, reform the program, or eliminate
U.S. government involvement in it. (1)
1. Â "Au Pair Program Targeted for Elimination by Rep. Barr"
by Melissa B. Robinson, Associated Press,
January 14, 1998. Congressman Barr announced that he would seek to eliminate the program,
asserting that
it is "nothing more than indentured servitude."
