When Samantha Amato needed a nanny to look after her 8-month-old twins, she hired a nanny placement agency, which recommended several candidates after checking their criminal and employment backgrounds. Amato was not satisfied. She called one candidate’s references herself. She interviewed the woman’s former co-workers at a nearby day care, as well as mothers who had known her work at the center.
In the end, she hired the woman — a mother in her 40s with whom she found an enduring comfort level. She still feels confident about her choice, but Tuesday’s news of a nanny charged with assaulting a Cambridge girl who subsequently died brings back the uncertainty she felt at the prospect of leaving her child in the care of a stranger.
Comments
This article only reinforces the idea that criminal records should be public records. Parents seeking competent caregivers shouldn't have access to these very basic records. We can thank Governor Patrick for championing the idea of hiding a persons criminal records Progressives call it CORI reform.
A tragedy for the family. Let's wait for the trial before we hang the nanny. No amount of background checking can tell you how well a person will care for a child or handle stress. And I am sure this family did all they could to make sure they were leaving their child in good hands.