NCJ Number
115546
Date Published
Unknown
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet guides parents in finding, hiring, and managing babysitters as well as the detection of sexual abuse, so as to reduce the chances of babysitter child abuse.
Abstract
The best sources of child care information are the recommendations of family, friends, and neighbors. The references of prospective babysitters should be carefully checked. Interview prospective sitters and observe their interactions with the children. Outline the babysitter's duties and discuss a potential emergency situation and how the sitter should react. Keep a record of the sitter's address, phone number, and driver's license. Ask the sitter to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure, inform the sitter where you will be and how you can be reached. Also list other emergency phone numbers. Specify family rules and routines. Specific written safety instructions should be given the sitter. When you return home, ask the sitter about any incidents, and after the sitter leaves, ask the children if anything happened that made them feel uncomfortable or afraid. Children should be give safety tips. Sexual-abuse symptoms are listed, and parents are instructed in what to do if sexual abuse is indicated.