Paying medical procedures for the helper.

[peainpod]

Generally I find referrals from friends (ie. employers or ex-employers of DH) to be more reliable than from other helpers (whose references may be motivated by friend/kinship and other considerations not related to ability).

Why not head down to one of the more reputable agencies - I've heard good things about Josie James on Pottinger St from my helper, so it seems trusted by DHs) and see if there are any who strikes you as a good candidate. When I was processing myDH forms, I saw a number sitting in the waiting area on Sunday. That way, you can use your own instincts rather than blindly trust someone else's judgement.

 

[carang]

i've hired from an agency two out of three times. (the once we didn't was because we were hiring our helper's husband.)

what i liked about the agency is that you can conduct 30 interviews in a single sunday. all of the candidates are right there for you to interview.....kill many birds with one stone.

 

[Jenster]

Thanks ladies. Are the fees extortionate with agencies, and do any of the candidates have references?

 

[carang]

about $3.5k to file all the papers, covers medical check, often a 1 way flight etc.