Dear readers,

We have received several many emails from host families (and comments here on this page) regarding the new matching feature rolled out by goAUPAIR, Au Pair Review.  This new feature allows new host parents to view au pairs (and their qualifications, etc.) without having to complete a goAUPAIR host family application (which requires a fee) or sign a contract.  This is a great resource for prospective host parents and for existing host families who may want to switch agencies - you can get on and sample what the agency is offering without doing all that paperwork and sending in a check! 

However, parents who emailed us with concerns and complaints told us when they tried to register for the Au Pair Review feature, they were sent to the host family application page and they were filling out several pages of this application.  They felt mislead since goAUPAIR's press release states they would not have to complete the host family application.  We went on the site and found the same thing when we tried to register for Au Pair Review. 

We contacted the agency and they were very prompt in responding to customers' concerns.  This is what they told us as of yesterday:

• Anyone who wants to use the Au Pair Review must complete part of the application, but not the entire 7 page form.  They need your basic contact information in "order to protect our Au Pairs."  Fair enough.
• In response to customers' concerns, goAUPAIR has improved the page by correcting the title used on the register page for the Au Pair Review.  The title, "Host Family Application" was changed to "Au Pair Review."  This change was recognized as "very confusing to users who aer registering for the Preview but who are not looking to apply."
• Users who register and log into the Au Pair Preview do not have to fill out the Host Family application. If users find themselves prompted to fill out the application then they are in the Apply portion of the navigation and simply need to click on the Au Pair Preview link to access the preview.  When families are ready to begin the application process and take the next steps of bringing an Au Pair into their home, they can easily start their application by using the Apply link. 
   

A representative from goAUPAIR told us "We hope this clarifies the misunderstanding between registering for the Au Pair Preview and completing the Online Host Family Application.  Once again, the feedback from yourself and your readers has been tremendously helpful and we welcome any further comments you may collect.  If you believe you are experiencing problems or otherwise have questions regarding the Au Pair Preview please feel free to email us at feedback at goaupair.com or call us at 888-287-2471."