Safety & Verification Guide
AuPairly gives you the tools to verify the people who care for your children — four independent checks, each one optional for au pairs to complete. Here's how our verification system works and what you can do to stay safe.
AuPairly's 4-Layer Verification
Every au pair on AuPairly can complete four independent verification checks. Each check is performed by a trusted third-party provider and results in a badge on the au pair's profile.
ID Verification
Smile Identity + Home AffairsEvery au pair's identity is confirmed against the South African Department of Home Affairs database using Smile Identity's biometric matching. This confirms they are who they say they are — matching their selfie to their ID document and validating the ID number against government records.
Criminal Clearance
MIE + SAPSA criminal record check is run through MIE (Managed Integrity Evaluation), which queries the SAPS (South African Police Service) criminal database. This reveals any prior criminal convictions on record. Au pairs must consent to this check and results are shared with families as a clearance badge.
Qualification Check
SAQA + NLRDEducation and childcare qualifications — such as ECD diplomas and degrees — are verified through SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) and the NLRD (National Learners' Records Database), confirming they are genuine and currently valid. First Aid certificates are manually reviewed — AuPairly checks that the certificate is in date, the name matches the au pair's ID, and the issuing provider is accredited.
Reference Collection
Automated emails to refereesAu pairs provide contact details for previous employers or references. AuPairly sends structured questionnaires directly to referees, collecting responses about reliability, childcare ability, and overall recommendation. Families can view these verified reference responses on the au pair's profile.
Understanding Verification Badges
Au pair profiles display badges based on how many verification checks they've completed. Here's what each level means:
Profile created but no checks completed. Proceed with caution and request that the au pair completes verification.
One or two checks completed (e.g. ID verified but no criminal clearance yet). Good start, but encourage full verification before hiring.
All four layers completed — ID, criminal clearance, qualifications, and references. This is AuPairly's gold standard and gives families the highest confidence.
Safety Tips for Families
Meet in a public place first
Before inviting an au pair to your home, meet in a coffee shop or park. Bring your children so you can observe the interaction in a neutral setting.
Check references yourself
Even with verified references on the platform, call at least one referee directly. Ask specific questions about reliability, punctuality, and how they handled difficult situations.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off during the interview or trial period, don't ignore it. It's better to keep searching than to settle for someone you're not comfortable with.
Set clear boundaries from day one
Discuss house rules, screen time policies, discipline approach, visitors, and off-duty expectations before your au pair starts. Write them into the contract.
Use in-platform messaging
Keep initial conversations on AuPairly. This protects both parties and provides a record of agreements made before the placement begins.
Safety Tips for Au Pairs
Video call before meeting in person
Always do at least one video call with the family before meeting face to face. This helps you verify they are who they claim to be and gives you a feel for the household.
Share your location with someone you trust
When going to meet a family for the first time, tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to be back.
Verify the family
Ask for the family's full names and look them up. A legitimate family will have no problem sharing their details. Check if they have reviews from previous au pairs on the platform.
Agree terms in writing
Never start working without a signed contract. This protects your salary, working hours, leave, and living conditions. Use AuPairly's contract template if needed.
Report concerns immediately
If you experience anything inappropriate, unsafe, or different from what was agreed, report it through AuPairly's support system immediately. You don't have to handle it alone.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Contact AuPairly Support — report any safety concern or inappropriate behaviour through the platform. We take every report seriously.
CCMA for Labour Disputes — if there is a disagreement about salary, working hours, or unfair dismissal, either party can refer the matter to the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) for free mediation.
SAPS for Emergencies — if you are in immediate danger or witness a crime, contact the South African Police Service on 10111 or your nearest police station. For gender-based violence, call the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
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