PARAMEDIC Shaun Procter has encouraged people to still consider being au pairs in America despite the worldwide storm over convicted British teenager Louise Woodward.

Shaun, 26, who lives in Burnley but is stationed in Nelson, said he would never have become a life-saver if he had not spent 12 months in America.

He lived with a family who lived three hours' drive from Boston. "The experience I got over there and the character-building, being away from home and having to look after myself, really made me grow up," said Shaun.

"I can see the benefits of doing something like being an au pair. Having all the experiences of going over there reflects in you when you get home."

Shaun said reports of Louise feeling isolated and claims she was used as an under-paid "skivvy" were nothing like his experience.

He was 19 when he went to the United States through an organisation called Au Pairs in America to look after two boys, aged five and three, and to a lesser degree their seven-year-old sister who was away at school during the day.

"My parents fostered so I had experience of child care, probably more than a lot of girls," said Shaun. "I wanted to travel and see a different place and this was the best option."

Written agreements between parents and au pairs were encouraged, so both sides knew what was expected. "I had a very good family so I was lucky," said Shaun. "Some people had good families to work for and some were not so good. "My family was flexible as long as they knew what I was doing. I got $100 a week spending money and I had a car although I could only take it out of the state with their permission."

Shaun was given details of other au pairs in his area and regularly went on nights out with them.

But he warned potential au pairs to realise that going to America was a big culture shock, even though people think they see US life on their TVs every night of the week.

"I would say to people don't be put off by Louise Woodward's case but be careful how you check out the family you will be with and sort out any problems and questions before you fly out there," he added.

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