| When you have children, it can seem as
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| | parents, too and to follow up
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| though danger lurks around every corner.
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| | recommendations. Unlike babysitting,
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| This sections looks at the realities of
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| | there are regulations governing
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| keeping children safe from harm while
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| | childcare. Check with your state.
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| helping them develop their independence.
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| | For your own peace of mind, it's a good
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| As parents, we want to make every effort
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| | idea to run through some checks to
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| to find someone trustworthy to look after
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| | satisfy yourself that your child is in
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| our children. When you're searching for a
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| | safe hands.
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| babysitter, it's a good idea to get
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| | Make sure that any person who will be
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| recommendations from other local parents.
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| | caring for your child is experienced and
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| Check references carefully - speak to
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| | well trained and has the necessary
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| other families who have used the
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| | qualifications if required.
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| babysitter, and all other people listed
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| | Always take up references for carers
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| as references.
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| | who'll be caring for your children in
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| Trust your instincts - never use someone
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| | your home.
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| you feel uneasy about. If you don't feel
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| | Visit any out-of-home care setting before
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| comfortable with the babysitter or carer,
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| | you leave your child there. Think about
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| why would your child?
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| | whether the other children seem happy.
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| Whenever possible, use a babysitter who's
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| | Ask carers what would happen if there's
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| over 16, and who seems mature and
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| | an accident or emergency. Do they contact
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| sensible. There's no law to cover this,
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| | parents? Do they have safety procedures
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| but both the NSPCC and the Children's
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| | in place?
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| Legal Centre recommend 16 as the minimum
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| | Make sure the carer knows the only people
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| age. Under this age they can't be held
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| | allowed to collect your child.
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| legally responsible for any harm that
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| | Babies and very young children probably
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| happens to a child.
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| | won't be able to tell you if you
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| Babysitters aren't required to have
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| | something has gone wrong while you were
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| qualifications of any kind, but you may
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| | away. Even slightly older children, who
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| feel more comfortable using someone with
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| | do have language, mignt not be able to
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| knowledge of first aid and child
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| | explain if something has happened.
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| development.
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| | Look out for any changes in your child's
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| Allow time to meet and talk to the
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| | behaviour or mood. Always ask the
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| babysitter before leaving your child with
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| | babysitter or carer for an explanation if
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| them. Explain anything they need to know
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| | your child has a cut, bruise or other
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| about your child, such as bedtime or
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| | injury.
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| feeding routines, ways to comfort and
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| | Watch out for any changes to behaviour or
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| likes and dislikes. Let the babysitter
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| | moods that indicate your child is unhappy
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| know what types of television programmes,
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| | or not settled. If you're concerned about
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| videos and computer games you find
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| | the welfare of your child in any form of
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| acceptable for your kids, and how long
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| | care, remove them from the situation.
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| they can spend watching and playing them.
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| | Discuss the problem with the carers, and
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| Always leave a number where you can be
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| | if necessary, take steps to make a formal
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| contacted in an emergency.
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| | complaint.
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| Leaving your child at a day care facility
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| | In a serious situation, contact the
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| while you work has some considerations,
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| | police, your local social services
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| too. It's advisable to talk to other
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| | department or child protection team.
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