Precautions to Take Before Allowing Anyone to Care for Your Child!

Caution sign warning to prevent possible child abuse

Precautions for Child Care

Parents of autistic and/or special needs children are all very different. We come from various backgrounds, live in different places, and even share different views. But we all have one thing in common…. the love for our children and the desire to help them as much as possible to make them happy, healthy, and independent.

Importance of Networking and Advocacy

I feel it is very important to network and connect with other parents to educate myself and others. It is very important to be the best advocate possible for your child. They don’t have a voice, so YOU must be their voice.

Learning from Personal Experiences

We have just recently experienced a horrible situation of “inappropriate” pictures taken of our child while attending a private IBI/ABA Center.

Educating Other Parents and Caregivers

I would like to educate other parents with special needs children and typically developed children on what to look for when placing their child in someone’s care. This is especially important when they can’t communicate or have limited communication skills. I cannot change what has happened to us, but maybe I can prevent someone else’s child from this horrible experience.

Essential Precautions

I want to educate parents and caregivers what precautions one should take before allowing anyone to care for your child. It should not matter if it is a daycare, private therapy center or other places you take your child.

Personal Findings and Recommendations

I have personally found out the following:

Any records of incidents/investigations of Daycares and/or Private facilities are kept at Children’s Aid in your area. You can call and inquire about any particular facility.
Always ask to see the qualifications of the person(s) working with your child
Check references yourself. Don’t be afraid to make inquiries with the police regarding records if need be.
Expect timely responses to concerns/questions.
Before committing yourself to any facility, ask to speak with other parents or view the facility while it is running. Make an unannounced visit to get a realistic view of how the center runs and the actual presence of senior staff/directors.
Be involved, and don’t take a kind smile as proof your child is well cared for.
If you can view your child under someone else’s care, do it.
Look for sudden changes in behavior with your child. YOU know your child best.
Read over contracts carefully, and don’t be afraid to question. Do not blindly sign anything without fully understanding.

SHARE INFORMATION & NETWORK WITH OTHER PARENTS.

Many parents of children who are “newly” diagnosed with autism/special needs are not aware of precautions or even places to call to research centers. I depended on “word of mouth”, or a “well put together” website to research. I had no idea in my area, for example, one could call Children’s Aid to inquire if any investigations or reports had occurred at any private IBI/ABA facility or daycare?

Any way to prevent and/or educate other parents would bring closure to our occurrence and justice to this situation. I’d hate to see any other child/family experience this sort of situation.

Sincerely,

The “Voice” of My Child

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