Issue of Online Babysitting and Child Care Websites Without proper screening the safety of our children and their carers are compromised Last month we ran a story on nannies and babysitters being harassed by unscrupulous men using online babysitting adverts as a way of contacting women for other reasons, highlighting the importance of using agencies to avoid the risk of unscrupulous attention to babysitters and nannies and also under experienced or non-screened child carers. Jan Fazey, Director of Milestonz Nannies in Sydney modified her agency service to offer a membership based online babysitter service after many nannies and babysitters told her about harassment they received from some users getting their details from unsecure babysitter websites. As well as potential danger to child carers, the fact these sites are not secure also means many parents are taking a risk with unscreened nannies in order to cut costs: "As an agency we spend some much of our time interviewing and screening nannies to make sure they are who and what they say they are before referring to a family, says Fazey. Some families think that the placement or casual booking fees we charge are on the high side, but they don't give a second thought to paying more to service their cars. What price do we put on the safety of our children and what price do we pay for having peace of mind that the person we leave our children with are experienced and professional?" Websites offering free postings for babysitters and "nannies" with direct links to their details and contact information are not only encouraging unscrupulous individuals to contact nannies and babysitters advertising their services, they are also encouraging anyone to put up their details, undermining and undercutting those who are experienced and professional. Agencies listed on CareforKids.com.au have spent a lot of time and effort over the years to help nannies and babysitters be accepted as professionals and for their commitment to caring for children (either due to their years of experience working with children or extensive study in child care and related fields) to be taken seriously. "I have heard horror stories from both sides about some online sites and have often thought it is open to all sorts as there is no checking, anyone can add their details, says Fazey. It is about time we took a proper interest in what is going on in 'online childcare'". While most of the nannies and babysitters on online babysitting service websites may well be trustworthy, the vulnerability of those with details on the sites and the risk some parents are taking in trusting the information on these sites is a very real issue that needs to be addressed. For more information on security reference and background checks which outlines the various legal requirements and resources available in each state and territory click here or to secure online bookings for agency vetted and screened babysitters and nannies – permanent, part time and casual – click here

© 2009 - All rights reserved CareforKids.com.au® Care For Kids Internet Services Pty Ltd ABN 55 104 145 735 Level 2, 2 Bligh St Sydney NSW 2000 privacy policy contact us