Child Safety Tips

Nanny and Caregiver Background Checks are valuable tools to use when one hires an outside source to take care of their children or elderly.

Understanding a caregivers background adds valuable information to the selection process. At-risk populations rely on family to take care of them and to protect them. In regards to children, specifically, there are steps one can take. Below are many helpful tips garnered from the Heidi Search Center.

Prevention always starts at home. Use the following tips to help educate children on safety and awareness.

CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO:

• Know his/her full name, as well as your name, address and telephone number, including area code. Children should know how to use the telephone.
• Never say they’re alone when answering the phone – instead, offer to take a message or say their parents are busy.
• Never answer the door if they are alone. Never invite anyone in the house w/out permission of a parent or baby-sitter.
• Never take candy or gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
• Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.Move away from cars that pull up beside them if they do not know the driver.
• Know that no one should touch any part of his or her body that a bathing suit would cover.
• Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways or alleys.
• Run home or go to the nearest public place if they are being followed and yell for help.
• Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
• Tell you where they are at all times or leave a message at home.
• Know they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time.

PARENTS SHOULD:

• Avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his/her name.
• Check all potential baby-sitters and older friends of your child.
• Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car, even for a minute.
• Always accompany young children to the restroom in public places.
• Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities.
• Point out safe houses with the Block Parent sign where children can go if they are in trouble.
• Create an environment where a child feels safe to talk to you. Let him/her know that you are interested and sensitive to their fears.
• Teach children that the police are their friends and that they can rely on them if they are in trouble.
• Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, as well as a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.
• Stay involved in your child’s life by communicating daily to prevent your child from running away.

Source: Heidi Search Center