to think that foreignlanguage schools should be able to get the address right of the host families....

[mumofeight]

Twice in the last three weeks I have received a letter for another person, but at my address. The first one I wrote 'adresee not known ' and sent it back. the second oe arrived today, so thinking I would be helpful, I opened it. Its from a company called OOCE language coaching and informs mme that its snding a student to me, well to the person the letters addressed to anyway! WTF ???
Now forgive me here but surely if a false address has been given , intentionally or not, then the CRB (police) check will not be correct ?I have had CRB checks done and one of the vital pieces of info is the address, as they also need to check that there are no other 'undeesirable' people at the address.

I tried phoning the company, but they said it was not their problem

AIBU do you think to want to ring a national newspaper and expoae the company, as being unsafe. AIBU to think that the families sending their children here need to know that the company cannot even get the address right ? I know that I would want to know if my child was going on one of these sort of trips. RThen again I wouldn't send one of mine, but thats because I am too over protective !

Do these companies do CRB checks? I know they should but have my doubts. I know I wouldn't send my 2 away with them as I don't think they are stringent enough with their recruitment, and will send children anywhere for a few quid!

Well I have located the person who the letter is supposed to have gone to, she lives at 66 I live at 6 ! But am still in two minds as to what do do. Think I will drop the letter off to the woman this ebening, and then suggest she comntact the company. If I get anymore letters I will take it up with the press, but in the meantime will ask my neighbour who is a trading standards officer what he advises re complaininhg to the relevant authgority.

According to the blurb on the letter they do do CRB checks. I* know I wouldn't trusty them though . My ds2 went away with the school last summer to the south of france, but he was camping in a group with other kids from his school. so it felt safer to me. But being on his own in a strangers home anyway.

I am over reacting aren't I ?

Maybe about the letters, but the general theme of this type of exchange not being particularly well run is pretty spot on. At least through the school there are points of contact, and children are put with families with children the same age. With these agencies you can't be absolutely sure. This said, some are pretty well run and have been doing it for years with no incidents to speak of.