JUST IN CASE
You are babysitting

Carefully screen the families for whom you babysit. Recommendations from friends and family help. If allowed in your state, check with law enforcement to see if anyone in the home has a criminal record or history of committing crimes against children.

Be sure to interview the family before agreeing to babysit. While at the interview, watch to see how the children and parents interact.

When Babysitting. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the parents depart. Know exactly where the parents will be and how you can reach them. Write down the address and telephone number of your location. Be sure to ask for their list of emergency telephone numbers including the children’s doctor; the police department; the fire department; an ambulance service; the poison control center; and a friend, neighbor, or relative who can be called on to assist in case the parents aren’t reachable.

Carefully go over family rules and daily routines, paying special attention to eating and sleeping arrangements. Ask for a tour of the house. Identify where the first-aid equipment is located and all doors and possible exits. Also discuss, while the children are present, family rules regarding television, online computer use, snacks, bedtime, and playmates. Be sure to determine if the children are allowed to talk on the telephone or play with friends while you are there.

While the Parents Are Gone.

Lock all doors when the parents leave.

Carefully watch the children while they are awake to ensure that they stay away from dangerous objects or chemicals and are protected from household accidents.

Devote your full attention to babysitting. Don’t invite anyone over while you are babysitting, nor leave the children alone in the house at any time.

Stay awake once the children go to sleep and regularly check on them.

Minimize the number of people who know that you are alone with the children. If the telephone rings, don’t tell the caller that the parents are gone. Tell the caller that the parents are unavailable, and ask the caller to leave a message. Don’t open the door to anyone unless the parents have given prior permission. Again, tell them that the parents are unavailable and ask to take a message.

Watch the children carefully, especially when in a public place. Don’t permit them to wander. If something seems suspicious when you return to the home such as a broken window or door, immediately call the police from another location.

Upon Leaving the Home. Once the parents return to the home, tell them if anything unusual happened including any unexpected telephone calls or visits.

Be sure to make arrangements to have someone you trust escort you home, especially if you are relieved of your babysitting duties late at night.

Adapted and reprinted with permission from Just in case…Parental guidelines in case you need a babysitter. Copyright © 1986 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. All rights reserved.

 



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