Child safety experts are warning parents to be vigilant when hiring babysitters and nannies, as families reject formal daycare settings amid ongoing revelations of abuse and neglect.
When it comes to child safety and well-being, there’s no simple answer to whether nannies are safer than childcare centers. Each option comes with its own set of advantages—and potential risks. Experts warn that less visibility, variation in credentials, and the fact caregivers enter your home may increase risks—particularly when hired casually (not through an agency).
For families employing child carers directly, they need to conduct a thorough background check.
A background check is a comprehensive review of an individual’s history, encompassing various elements such as criminal records, employment history, education verification, and references.
Essential Security Checks:
- Working with Children Check (WWCC):
This is a mandatory check for anyone working with children in Australia, verifying their suitability to work in child-related roles. It illegal to work without a check or employ someone working with children who doesn’t have a check.
Each state has their own check and can be organised with the relent agency NSW | QLD | VIC | WA | ACT | NT
- National Police Check:
A National Police Check provides a record of an individual’s disclosable court outcomes and pending charges, offering another layer of security. It will show issues such as drink driving chargers or theft.
- Education and Training:
Check the status of current first aid and/or CPR certificate and any other education qualifications.
- References:
Contacting previous employers to verify the nanny’s work history and suitability is important. Vet carefully via references, background checks, and—even consider—informal social media scanning.
- Visa Verification (if applicable):
If you’re hiring a nanny from overseas, ensure you verify their visa conditions through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
