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