Tips on Interviewing Babysitters

When interviewing a babysitter I always recommend that parents view a ‘Working with Children Check’ (WWCC) or a ‘Police Check’.   Parents often ask me about the difference between these two documents and which one is best.

The WWCC is different to a police check in that it is a detailed search for child-related offences, including employment proceedings and AVOs (Apprehended Violence Orders).  In some states the WWCC can only be ordered by an organisation.  In other states (like Victoria) the babysitter can order one for herself.

A Federal or State Police Check can be obtained by a babysitter or nanny herself from the local police station for a small fee. The police check will reveal any convictions such as driving offences and theft. However most checks will not reveal any conviction that was more than ten years ago (due to the Spent Convictions Scheme).

In most states a WWCC is required by babysitters working for organisations (like agencies), but not when they are working independently (i.e., for mums and dads at home).  So it is likely your carer won't need one for you, however many babysitters already have a WWCC (called ‘Blue Card’ in Qld)  due to university course requirements or work experience.

To read more about the specific requirements and processes to gain a WWCC in your state, click here.

By Delia Timms, Founder of www.findababysitter.com.au