Hiring an au pair means inviting a near-stranger into your home with access to your children—so thorough vetting is non-negotiable. Drug and background testing protects your family and ensures you're working with legitimate placement agencies that take safety seriously. Here's what you need to know before signing any paperwork.
Why Testing Matters for Au Pairs
Au pairs live in your house and spend unsupervised time with your children daily. Unlike nannies hired locally, au pairs often come from abroad, making background verification across multiple countries a real challenge. Reputable agencies shoulder this responsibility, but the rigor of their screening varies widely.
A comprehensive background check catches criminal history, immigration fraud, and inconsistencies in employment records. Drug testing confirms the au pair isn't currently using substances that could impair their judgment around children. Together, these safeguards aren't foolproof—but they're your first line of defense.
What Background Checks Actually Cover
Standard au pair background checks should include:
- Criminal records (in home country and any countries where they've lived for 6+ months)
- Identity verification (passport, visa status, employment authorization)
- Reference checks from previous employers or host families
- Social media screening (increasingly common; flags concerning behavior)
- Sex offender registry searches (critical but limited to available databases)
The scope depends on the agency and country of origin. A candidate from Germany may have easy-to-verify records; one from a developing nation might not. Ask your placement agency explicitly which countries they search and whether they use third-party verification services.
Cost range: Most reputable agencies fold background checks into their placement fee ($3,000–$8,000 total), but some charge $300–$500 separately.
Drug Testing: Standards & Gaps
Drug screening for au pairs is less standardized than for nannies. Some agencies require it; others only do so if you request it (and then charge $100–$200).
Common testing approaches:
- Pre-arrival urine tests (conducted in the au pair's home country)
- Post-arrival tests (after they land, typically within the first week)
- Random testing (rarely offered; usually requires private arrangement)
The catch: Tests ordered abroad may use different labs and standards than U.S. protocols. A positive result from an overseas test can be harder to verify or challenge. If drug testing is crucial to your decision, insist on a U.S.-based test conducted after arrival so results are defensible.
How to Vet Your Placement Agency
The agency handling screening is as important as the screening itself. Weak agencies rubber-stamp backgrounds; strong ones dig deeper.
Red flags:
- They claim background checks take only 48 hours (unrealistic across borders)
- No documented reference-check process
- They won't disclose which countries they search
- Zero mention of child safeguarding policies
- Placement fees unusually low (suggests corners cut elsewhere)
What to ask:
- "Which third-party companies do you use for background verification?"
- "Can you show me a sample background report so I know what depth to expect?"
- "What happens if a candidate fails screening—do you refund my fee?"
- "Do you require drug testing, and if not, can I request and pay for it?"
Platforms like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted au pair placement providers in one place, making it easier to review agency policies side-by-side.
What You Should Do Independently
Don't rely entirely on the agency. Spend 30 minutes on your own:
- Google the candidate (full name, plus any previous cities they've lived in)
- Request a Skype call before committing; trust your instincts about communication and demeanor
- Ask for 2–3 personal references beyond what the agency provides, and call them
- Verify employment history by contacting previous families directly (not through the au pair)
- Check their social media for any concerning posts or behavior patterns
Post-Arrival Safety
Background checks and drug tests are one-time events. Real safety is ongoing.
- Install a nanny camera (disclosed to the au pair) in common areas
- Conduct surprise check-ins at home
- Monitor your kids' behavior for signs of mistreatment
- Have regular conversations with your au pair about childcare practices
- Know your agency's procedure for removing an au pair mid-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If an au pair fails a drug test, what are my options? A: Most reputable agencies will reassign you a different candidate at no additional fee or refund your placement fee. Confirm this policy before hiring—it's non-negotiable.
Q: Can I require drug testing even if the agency doesn't offer it? A: Yes. Hire a local lab to conduct a urine or hair test after the au pair arrives; expect to pay $100–$200 out of pocket.
Q: How long does a full background check actually take? A: 2–4 weeks is realistic for international verification. Anything faster is likely incomplete; pushback on the agency to explain their process in detail.
Ready to find an au pair placement agency with real screening standards? Start comparing verified providers today.