Leading Au Pair Agencies pledge to Join Forces in Dutch Au Pair Association (DAPA)
The Hague, Netherlands June 6th 2025
In response to recent developments surrounding Nina Care, and with the aim of safeguarding the integrity of the Dutch au pair industry, twelve of the most respected au pair agencies in the Netherlands have pledged to form the Dutch Au Pair Association (DAPA).
With this initiative, the industry clearly distances itself from unregulated practices and the so-called “cowboy behavior” that undermines the true purpose of cultural exchange. The founding members of DAPA are committed to care, quality, integrity, and cross-cultural exchange.
“We stand for a professional and respectful au pair program. The actions of a few should not define the whole sector,”said Ellen Heesen-Hiemstra, spokesperson for DAPA.
“We support the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) in its role as gatekeeper and will continue working to ensure that host families and au pairs experience a safe and enriching cultural exchange program.”
DAPA seeks to promote transparency, protect all parties involved, and maintain the Netherlands’ position as a welcoming and responsible Au Pair host country.
Source: Press release from D.A.P.A The Danish Au Pair Association (in formation)
Contact: Ellen Heesen-Hiemstra, Spokesperson
______________________
IAPA warmly welcomes the initiative to form the Dutch National Association, DAPA. We are eagerly looking forward to collaborating with the association and its members, as we share a common goal: to safeguard the au pair program and ensure the well-being of all participants – au pairs and host families. We strongly endorse such initiatives at the national level and extend our best wishes to the newly forming association, DAPA.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the initiators for their dedication and effort. Establishing an association requires significant commitment and perseverance, but we are confident in the experience and capability of the initiators and have no doubt that their efforts will lead to great success.
