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Millions of parents who tuned into the Dec. 5 episode of Prime Time Live
were horrified by the real-life images of nannies abusing and assaulting
innocent children. A company called Baby Watch caught the images of abuse on
camera. Parents learned that they can hire Baby Watch to secretly videotape
a nanny caring for their children. Unfortunately, the editors of Prime Time
Live failed to mention that this type of video surveillance may be an
infringement of civil liberties and that the American Civil Liberties Union
and the International Nanny Association are strongly opposed to such
practices. More importantly, however, as chief director of operations of
Search Your Nanny's Past, I was seriously disappointed that the show
never adequately dealt with the underlying problem with the nanny care.
Parents who may be wonderful doctors, sales associates, managers, teachers
or artists have absolutely no clue in most cases how to screen and hire a
responsible and loving nanny.
The motto of Search Your Nanny's Past is "Appearances can be
deceiving, and references may not be good enough, Inquire before you
hire."
This motto was proved right by the videotape of nannies acting loving and
caring in the presence of adults and violently lashing out when left alone
with the children entrusted to their care.
I suggest all parents conduct a complete and exhaustive background search
into a nanny's past before making any hiring decisions. This background
search should include looking for evidence of a criminal history, negative
driving record, any use of a fraudulent identity, confirmation on present
and previous address and any negative fiscal responsibility.
Only be taking such preventative measures as completing a background search
before they hire a potential nanny can parents ensure peace of mind for the
safety of their children. Do not hire the wrong nanny first and then try to
clean up the mess afterward with cameras |
