Terms and Conditions at Domestic Au Pair World

Welcome to Domestic Au Pair World. (“Website” or “Platform”)

This website and services therein are operated and owned by MultiKultur e.K., Helmholtzstrasse 50, 50825 Cologne, Germany (“Company” or “We” or “Our” or “Us”).

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern user’s (“You” or “Your”) access to and use of the website, services, and any associated content provided therein. By using our website and associated services (collectively, the “Service”), you agree to comply with these terms.

Please read these Terms and Conditions, as well as our Privacy Policy and Refund Policy, carefully. If you do not agree with these terms, you should not access or use the website and its services.

1. Acceptance

1.1 By accessing, browsing , visiting, registering for, or using the website and its services, you accept and agree to be bound by these terms and any other terms and policies referenced herein, including our Privacy Policy and Refund Policy.

1.2 Your continued use of the website and its services constitutes your acceptance of these terms.

1.3 The user will be blocked without any notice as a conventional penalty for violation of the Terms and Conditions or misuse of the website services.

2. Definitions

2.1 For purposes of these terms, the following definitions apply:

“Service” refers to all services provided by Domestic Au Pair World, including online matchmaking between Au Pairs and Host Families.
“User” refers to any individual who accesses or uses the Service, whether as a visitor, registered candidate, Host Family, or Au Pair agency.
“Candidate” refers to individuals, who are an applicant seeking a job offer.
“Host Family” refers to families seeking to employ or host an Au Pair or a Caregiver.
“Premium Membership” refers to any paid membership offering advanced features, as outlined on our website.

3. Services

3.1 Domestic Au Pair World is an online matching website connecting сandidates and Host Families from all around the world.

Additionally, Domestic Au Pair World provides its services to Au Pair placement agencies which function as intermediates between Au Pairs and Host Families.

Through Domestic Au Pair World every user registered as a Host Family, candidate or an Au Pair agency, is allowed to:

Look for and find a matching candidate/Host Family
Create a profile as a potential candidate/Host Family/Au Pair agency

3.2 The use of the following features is free of charge for all Domestic Au Pair World users:

Registration
Profile finalization (including the option to upload personal photos, references, and cover letters)
For candidates: the possibility to see who visited their profile and, after uploading at least one picture, the chance to send a personalized message
For Host Families: the possibility to see who visited their profile and send standard messages to all candidates

3.3 Domestic Au Pair World matching tools give all users the possibility to view only those profiles that meet their requirements and expectations. This is how Domestic Au Pair World matching tools work:

Your searching criteria define what kind of matching candidates/Host Families are recommended to you
Your job profile defines what kind of candidates/Host Families your application will be recommended to
You can use the quick-search tool to browse profiles without affecting your search criteria

3.4 We offer paid Premium Membership for сandidates, Host Families and Agencies. Users can choose one of the payment options to purchase the preferred Premium Membership. All membership options allow Premium users to send and receive personalized messages, allowing for direct and private communication with others, including the ability to exchange contact details (subject to our Privacy Policy).

3.5 Agencies that register on our website as Au Pair agencies and may access the following services:

Agencies can create profiles on behalf of Host Families and Au Pairs, manage multiple accounts, and coordinate the placement process between Au Pairs and Host Families.
Agencies may utilize advanced matching tools to find appropriate сandidates for Host Families and vice versa, based on detailed preferences provided by both parties.
Agencies can initiate direct contact requests to registered сandidates or Host Families, streamlining the communication process.

4. Eligibility and Requirements

4.1 To use our Services, you must be:

at least 18 (eighteen) years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, whichever is greater,
competent to enter into a contract under applicable laws

4.2 By using our Services, you represent and warrant that you meet our eligibility requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, you must not use our Services.

4.3 Our services are not directed towards children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13 without verified parental consent, we will take immediate steps to delete such information.

If you believe that we might have any information from or about a child under 13, please contact us at info@domesticaupairworld.com.

5. Duties and obligations of users

5.1 All Users are required to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information during the registration process and in their personal profiles. This includes, but is not limited to, name, contact information, employment preferences, and any other relevant data.

5.2 Host Families should provide accurate information about the structure of the family, including the number of children and their ages, details regarding the living conditions, including a description of the accommodation offered to the candidate, and the expected childcare responsibilities.

5.3 Users agree to promptly update their profile if there are any changes to their personal or professional details to ensure that the information remains accurate.

5.4 Users must comply with all local, national, and international laws applicable to their use of the Service. This includes, but is not limited to, employment laws, immigration laws, visa requirements, and tax obligations.

5.5 Users are responsible for ensuring they have obtained the necessary work permits, visas, and other legal documentation required to either offer a job or work as an Au Pair or caregiver.

5.6 Users agree to use the platform only for its intended purpose, which is to connect Candidates and Host Families or to facilitate the placement of Au Pairs through Agencies. Any other use, including but not limited to using the platform for unrelated commercial activities, is strictly prohibited.*

*It is permitted to post job offers within one's home that are not strictly related to child care or elder care to the sole extent that they are legal, do not cause any physical or moral harm, and are not of sexual nature. Premium users who post approved but unrelated to child care or elderly care offers, will have the possibility to send a maximum of 5 messages per day. The ability to receive messages remains unaffected.

5.7 Users shall refrain from any activities that may harm, disrupt, or otherwise compromise the integrity or security of the platform, including the transmission of viruses, malware, or other harmful software.

5.8 Users shall not attempt to access any accounts or data for which they are not authorized, nor shall they misuse any part of the platform in a manner that circumvents normal procedures and protocols.

5.9 Users agree that they will not engage in any of the following prohibited activities on the platform:

Posting illegal or offensive content, including defamatory, threatening, obscene, indecent, seditious, abusive, or otherwise unlawful material.
Creating false or misleading profiles or impersonating another individual for any purpose, including the submission of incorrect, incomplete, or fictitious data.
Using the platform for fraudulent purposes, such as offering services or employment that do not exist, making fraudulent claims, or engaging in deceptive practices.
Transmitting any malicious software, including viruses, logic bombs, Trojan horses, worms, or any other harmful programs.
Sharing personal contact details such as phone numbers, email addresses, or social media links are not allowed in any other field other than fields which are intended for this purpose. Contact details are all details that allow in any way to contact the user beyond the service. Sharing contact details outside fields which are intended for this purpose is strictly prohibited and may result in the User’s account being blocked.
Users agree to communicate in a respectful and professional manner at all times. Any behavior deemed abusive, discriminatory, threatening, or harassing in nature will not be tolerated and may result in account suspension or termination.

5.10 All communication, including messaging and profile interactions, must be related to the legitimate purpose of the platform, which is to facilitate relationships between candidates, Host Families, and Agencies. Inappropriate messages or solicitations for purposes unrelated to Au Pair placement are strictly prohibited.

5.11 Users have an obligation to report any misconduct, illegal activities, or violations of these terms that they observe on the platform. This includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate behavior, fraudulent job postings, or violations of any employment or immigration laws.

5.12 Users acknowledge that they are solely responsible for understanding and complying with the legal, financial, and tax obligations related to the employment of an Au Pair or the provision of services through the platform.

5.13 Users are responsible for maintaining their own records, tax filings, and compliance with employment laws. We do not provide legal, financial, or tax advice and assume no liability for any failure by the User to meet these obligations.

5.14 Domestic Au Pair World has the right to request documents and any other kind of evidence proving the provided data correct. If the data is incorrect, unreliable, incomplete or untruthful, Domestic Au Pair World has the right to block the user and retain any payment previously made without notice and/or motivation as a conventional penalty for breach of contract.

5.15 If the user does not send the necessary proofs to verify the reliability of his/her account within one week from the request of Domestic Au Pair World, the user's profile will be blocked preventively and can only be reactivated after the verification of the required proofs.

5.16 Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account information and password. Users are also responsible for all activities that occur under their account. Domestic Au Pair World will not be held liable for any loss resulting from unauthorized use of the account.

5.17 Users are prohibited from maintaining more than one account. It is also strictly prohibited to create a new account after your previous account has been blocked. Any attempt to bypass a block by creating a new account will result in immediate suspension.

5.18 Neither the personal profile, nor Membership, can be forwarded to any third party. Every use of a personal account by any third party is prohibited. Any breach will entitle Domestic Au Pair World to block the user involved without notice or motivation.

5.19 It is allowed to create a profile for a third party only if it is a profile of a Host Family managed by a family member or friend of the same, appointed by the same to take care of the research. This is allowed only if expressly stated in the description of the job that the candidate will do and in the cover letter published on the profile. The person in charge of managing the profile on Domestic Au Pair World must explicitly state that candidates will communicate with her/him and not with the Host Family they will live with.

If this declaration is absent from the profile, Domestic Au Pair World will proceed to block the profile and in case a Premium Membership has already been paid, the user will not be entitled to a refund.

5.20 Failure to follow any of the above rules of conduct may result in immediate termination of membership and civil and criminal penalties. Domestic Au Pair World has the right to block the user and retain the money paid for premium services without notice and/or motivation as a conventional penalty for breach of contract.

6. Contractual Agreement

6.1 Users, including candidates, Host Families, and Agencies, are required to enter into a formal contractual agreement prior to the commencement of employment.

6.2 This contract should clearly define the terms of employment, including job duties, working hours, compensation, and any additional benefits.

6.3 Both parties must have at least three video interviews and verify each other’s credentials, including background checks and mutual presentation of the identity documents, before finalizing the contract.

6.4 Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in suspension or termination of accounts.

7. Costs and Payment Terms

7.1 We offer both free and paid membership options. Users who wish to access enhanced features as described in clause 3 must purchase a Premium Membership. Similar to a personal account, the Premium Membership is not transferable. By purchasing any Premium Membership, you agree to the following payment terms:

Pricing: The payment is a fixed amount for the entire duration of a fixed period of time. To learn more about our Premium Membership pricing please visit our Premium Membership page. We reserve the right to modify prices at any time without prior notice.
Payment Methods: Payments can be made using payment options available on the website. We reserve the right to add or remove payment methods at its discretion.
Premium Membership Activation: Upon successful payment, your Premium Membership will be activated immediately. You will receive confirmation of your purchase via email, along with details about the membership term and any included features.
Premium Membership Termination: The Premium Membership ends automatically when the period of validity expires without any need of termination.
Price Adjustments: We reserve the right to adjust the pricing of Premium Memberships at any time.
Promotions and Discounts: We may offer promotions, discounts, or special offers on Premium Memberships. Such offers are subject to terms specified at the time of the offer and cannot be applied retroactively. Unless otherwise stated, promotions and discounts may not be combined.

7.2 Users may cancel their Premium Membership at any time. However, eligibility for a refund will depend on whether the Premium features have been used and the time elapsed since the purchase. Cancellations can be made by contacting customer support.

7.3 Refunds are subject to the terms outlined in our Refund Policy. Please refer to our Refund Policy for detailed information regarding refund eligibility, the process for requesting a refund, and any conditions that may apply.

7.4 Refunds will not be granted if any Premium Membership services have been used, including messaging and access to contact details. Once a profile is deleted, no proof of refund eligibility can be established, and any refund requests will be denied.

7.5 We are not liable for any interruptions, system failures, or technical issues that prevent access to the services. In such cases, no compensation, restoration, or refund of previously paid fees will be provided.

8. Compliance

8.1 This compliance clause applies to all users including registered candidates, Host families and Agencies.

8.1.1 U.S. Compliance:

U.S. Host Families or Candidates wishing to participate in the Au Pair program within the United States must register through a U.S. government-approved agency in compliance with the J-1 Visa Program regulations.
Any Au Pair placement in the U.S. conducted through Domestic Au Pair World without the required visa and agency involvement is strictly prohibited.
Any such violation may result in account suspension or termination and potential legal consequences.

8.1.2 Compliance in other Jurisdictions:

Users located in other jurisdictions must comply with the immigration and employment laws of their respective jurisdictions, including but not limited to obtaining the appropriate visa, work permit, or other legal documentation required.

8.1.3 Cross-Boarder Placements:

When arranging cross-border Au Pair placements, both Host Families and Candidates must ensure they understand and comply with the laws of both the country of origin and the country of destination. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with Work Visa requirements, Health Insurance requirements, Tax obligations, Work and residence permits.
Failure to comply with any such requirements may result in legal consequences, including but not limited to deportation, fines, or denial of entry. We will not be liable for any losses, damages, or penalties incurred due to the failure to comply with applicable laws.

8.1.4 Agency Compliance:

Agencies registered on Domestic Au Pair World must comply with all licensing requirements, employment laws, and data protection regulations in their respective jurisdictions. Agencies are responsible for ensuring that any Au Pair placements facilitated through Domestic Au Pair World comply with all applicable legal standards, including but not limited to visa and employment laws for both Host Families and Au Pairs.
Agencies are responsible for accurately representing their services and ensuring they follow all licensing and regulatory obligations in their respective jurisdictions. Agencies must act as good-faith intermediaries between Host Families and Candidates and must facilitate proper communication and placement procedures.

9. License

9.1 We grant users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Services for personal, non-commercial purposes. This license is conditioned upon compliance with these terms.

9.2 Users may not copy, modify, distribute, transmit, or create derivative works from any content or service provided by us. Users also may not engage in any activity that interferes with or disrupts the Service.

10. Warranties

10.1 The services provided by Domestic Au Pair World are offered on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the operation of the platform, the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the content, or the results that may be obtained from using the Service. Users acknowledge that they use the platform at their own risk.

10.2 We do not guarantee that any Candidate or Host Family will find a suitable match through the platform. We do not verify or endorse the accuracy, reliability, or suitability of any user-generated content or profiles. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before entering into any relationship or agreement with other users.

10.3 Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information or content provided through our service by users or any third parties, but not directly by Domestic Au Pair World, are those of the respective authors and should not necessarily be relied upon. The responsibility for such content remains solely on the authors.

10.4 We are not responsible for the actions, conduct, or communications of users on the platform. We do not supervise or monitor all interactions between users, and we assume no liability for any claims, disputes, damages, or injuries that may arise from interactions between users, whether online or offline. Users are solely responsible for ensuring their safety and compliance with applicable laws.

10.5 Domestic Au Pair World does not:

Guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information and materials;
Bear responsibility or liability for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice or statement made by any party other than Domestic Au Pair World;
Provide warranties that use of the website or services will be secure, always available, free of computer viruses, uninterrupted or error-free, or that defects in the services will be corrected;

10.6 Domestic Au Pair World provides no explicit or implied warranties as to the suitability of any user of our website to provide services as an Au Pair or Caregiver or to use the services as a Host Family.

10.7 In the event of a user's profile being reported, or if our automated monitoring system intercepts suspected misuse of our messaging system, our employees are instructed to monitor and read the messages sent by the user in question. Users are kindly requested to review our Privacy Policy.

11. Assumption of risks

11.1 Although Domestic Au Pair World takes certain measures to promote the security of our website and services, the use of an online platform such as Domestic Au Pair World involves certain risks.

11.2 Domestic Au Pair World does not train, supervise or monitor applicants or job providers, and cannot guarantee that users’ interactions with other registered users or visitors of the platform will always be safe or respectful.

11.3 Users agree to bear all risks associated with the use of the website and its services, including but not limited to injury, illness, any form of harassment and abuse, including sexual abuse, death, and all other risks associated with online or offline interactions with other users of the website or its services.

11.4 The users should not rely solely on the steps taken by Domestic Au Pair World to screen or monitor users and/or their content. The users agree to take all necessary precautions, including but not limited to, reviewing Domestic Au Pair World's recommendations, when interacting with users or visitors to the website.

12. Limited Liability

12.1 Domestic Au Pair World takes considerable precautions to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on the website, but assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. Users are responsible for verifying the necessary information themselves. Any guidance provided by Domestic Au Pair World is given for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional financial, medical, legal or other advice. If necessary, you should seek the advice of an appropriate professional.

12.2 To the maximum extent permitted by law, We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the platform, including but not limited to any loss of profits, data, or other intangible losses, as well as injury to life, body or health, even if Domestic Au Pair World has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

12.3 Our total liability, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall in no event exceed the amount paid by the user for accessing the premium services of the platform or, in case a user did not pay Domestic Au Pair World for the use of the services, the sum of €40. This limitation applies to all claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the use of the platform.

12.4 Under no circumstances shall Domestic Au Pair World be held liable for any fraudulent activity or unauthorized access to user accounts, including but not limited to hacker attacks or phishing attempts.

13. Indemnification

13.1 Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Domestic Au Pair World, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, arising out of or in connection with their use of the platform, violation of these terms, or infringement of any third-party rights, including but not limited to intellectual property rights or privacy rights.

This indemnification obligation survives any termination or expiration of the user’s account and extends to all activities undertaken through the user’s account, whether by the user or any third party.

13.2 Users further agree to cooperate as reasonably required in the defence of any such claim. Domestic Au Pair World and its affiliates reserve the right, at their own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by the user. Users may not in any event settle any claim or matter without the written consent of Domestic Au Pair World.

14. Confidentiality and Data Protection

14.1 Users agree to maintain the confidentiality of any non-public information they obtain through the platform, including but not limited to personal information of other users. Any unauthorized disclosure of such information, whether intentionally or negligently, may result in account termination and legal action.

14.2 We also agree to protect users' confidential information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring that such information is not shared with third parties without the user's explicit consent, except as required by law.

14.3 We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all users in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, storage, and transfer of your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy.

14.4 Your data is processed on legitimate grounds such as the performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, and, where applicable, based on your consent. You have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your data, as well as the right to data portability under GDPR, and similar rights under CCPA for California residents.

14.5 We do not sell personal data to third parties, and we take appropriate security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure. International transfers of data are conducted in compliance with applicable legal standards, including the use of Standard Contractual Clauses where required.

For further details on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

15. Third-party Links

15.1 We may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites. Accessing third-party links is done at your own risk, and users are encouraged to review the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party websites they interact with.

15.2 We do not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or quality of services provided by third-party websites. Any interaction with third-party websites, including transactions or sharing of personal data, is solely between the user and the third party, and Domestic Au Pair World shall not be liable for any claims or damages arising from such interactions.

16. Intellectual Property Rights

16.1 All content, trademarks, logos, designs, images, software, user interface, and intellectual property available on Domestic Au Pair World are the property of MultiKultur (company) or its licensors.

16.2 Users are granted a limited, non-transferable license to access and use the platform for personal and non-commercial purposes. No rights, title, or interest in the platform’s intellectual property is transferred to the user, except for the limited rights granted under these terms.

16.3 Users may not copy, modify, distribute, reproduce, or create derivative works based on the platform’s content or any part of it, without express written permission from us.

16.4 Any unauthorized use of the platform’s intellectual property may result in legal action.

17. Force Majeure

17.1 We shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these terms if such delay or failure results from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to war, terrorism, strikes, natural disasters, government restrictions, or technical failures also known as Force Majeure events.

17.2 In the event of force majeure, Domestic Au Pair World will make reasonable efforts to resume its services as soon as practicable but shall not be held responsible for any resulting damages or losses incurred by the user due to the interruption.

18. Terms and Termination

18.1 These terms will remain in effect while you use the platform or hold an active account. Users may terminate their accounts at any time by following the platform’s procedures for account deactivation or by contacting our customer support. A deleted account is irretrievable and all information and data stored are irreversibly removed.

18.2 In case of any breach of the Terms and Conditions listed, or in case of any breach of rights, laws, or third party’s rights enforceable in the Federal Republic of Germany, Domestic Au Pair World has the right to block the user at any time and without notice or motivation and any payment previously made will be retained by Domestic Au Pair World as a conventional penalty for breach of contract.

18.3 The account of each registered user may be deactivated at any time – a deactivated account is neither visible nor available to all the other users.

18.4 Each user has the right to cancel the account without specifying any reason. If the user cancels the Premium Membership and demands a refund of the Premium Membership payment, the cancellation notice must be submitted in writing within14 days after the start date of the Premium Membership. To exercise the right of refund, the Refund Policy must be fulfilled.

18.5 If the Premium Membership services have been used, Domestic Au Pair World will not refund the payment and retain it as a compensation for the services used.

18.6 If the account has been deleted and therefore all the information stored is irretrievably removed, it is not possible to prove whether the refund policy has been fulfilled. Thus, a refund will not be granted.

18.7 All users are requested to carefully read our Refund Policy before purchasing a Premium Membership.

18.8 The Premium Membership is considered provided if:

Host Families send or reply to personalized messages or if any contact data has been exchanged through personalized messages, which enable users to communicate outside the scope of Domestic Au Pair World.
Candidates have sent any messages after the account has been upgraded to Premium Membership.
The user has access to Domestic Au Pair World’s Premium documents protected by a password.

18.9 Domestic Au Pair World has the right to block the user at any time and without motivation if he/she does not give consent to the Privacy Policy or if he/she withdraws the consent.

18.10 The administration of Domestic Au Pair World has the right to delete an account if it doesn't match the user's status (candidate, agency or Host Family).

19. Dispute Resolution

19.1 We encourage you to first contact us at info@domesticaupairworld.com to seek resolution of any issues before pursuing legal action. We are committed to resolving any concerns promptly and effectively.

20. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

20.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

20.2 Any disputes or legal actions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Cologne, Germany.

21. Miscellaneous

21.1 These Terms and Conditions together with the Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, and any other policies constitute the entire agreement between the user and Domestic Au Pair World regarding the use of the platform and supersede any prior agreements, communications, or understandings.

21.2 If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed severed from these terms and the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

21.3 No waiver by Domestic Au Pair World of any breach or default by the user under these terms shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default. Any delay or failure by Domestic Au Pair World to enforce its rights under these terms shall not constitute a waiver of such rights.

22. Changes, Amendments and Modifications

22.1 We reserve the right to amend, change, and modify these Terms at any time. It is your responsibility to regularly check this page for any updates. Continued use of the platform after any changes have been made constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

Contact Us:

Have questions or concerns? We’re here to help! Reach out to us at:

Email: info@domesticaupairworld.com

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