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The safety of our children when in the custody of childcare providers including babysitters and nannies should be our highest priority. Even when it is, abuse happens. Here are a few of the cases in the news this year:

• In May 2015, a Jacksonville, Florida female was sentenced to 8 years in prison for beating an 11-month old child placed in her care. The abuse was captured on a video cam.

• In April 2015, a 31-year-old woman in Danbury, Connecticut was arrested after an investigation revealed the 3-year-old child she was caring for had suffered bruising and second-degree burns. The woman was charged with first-degree assault, risk of injury to a minor and criminal mischief, according to news reports. 

• Another babysitter/nanny abuse case happened in April 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. A police person arrested a woman for physically assaulting a 13-month old boy she was babysitting. During a three-hour period, the 24-year-old was recorded on a home security camera abusing the young child by, among other things, throwing the child on a couch and smothering him with pillows. 

Child Abuse

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) defines child abuse as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.

In-home surveillance equipment can be an important tool for keeping children safe. However, it is still possible to tell whether something is wrong if in-home surveillance equipment is not available.

Pediatrician Dr. Claire McCarthy in MD Mama on boston.com recommends parents do the following to prevent nanny or babysitter child abuse:

1. Make sure that everyone who cares for your child knows the dangers of shaking. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), which is when children are shaken hard enough to cause brain damage, is the leading cause of child abuse death in the United States.
2. Know the signs of child abuse: Here are some of the signs that parents and caregivers should watch for:

• Any unexplained bruise or other injury (or an explanation for one that doesn't make sense).
• Frequent bruises or injuries, even if an explanation is given.
• Changes in behavior, such as acting withdrawn, sad, angry or afraid. An occasional off day is usually normal, but if the changes are persistent or recurrent, it could be a sign of a problem.
• Changes in appetite or sleep (including trouble falling asleep, nightmares, or bed wetting). Again, only worrisome if persistent, and there can be a lot of other explanations.
• Behaviors or statements from children that are odd or not normal for their age (like talking about sex).
• Negative comments about the child from the caregiver and/or lack of nurturing/happy interactions with child.
• The child expresses fear or dislike of the caregiver.

Experts agree that it is extremely important to research a babysitter/nanny’s background before leaving children alone with one of them. In a background check, parents can verify whether the potential babysitter/nanny has a criminal record. Previous employment may also be verified along with any certifications they may have.

There are legal consequences for the child abuser. Under Florida statutes a person who commits aggravated child abuse commits a felony of the first degree, which is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed thirty years and a fine of $10,000.

There are also the consequences of personal injury liability.

“If you believe your child has been injured by a babysitter or nanny, contact the lawyers at Spivey Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Child Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Child Injuries Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.