Nanny Cam Arrest, Finding a Responsible Caregiver

A nanny in Fontana caught on camera abusing two small children is free on bail. Police arrested 34-year-old Dana Cash on suspicion of shaking, pulling, and even covering the mouth of the one of the children, after their mother caught that acts on camera.

The mother says she set up a nanny cam when her 8-year-old child told her about the abuse. She says she trusted the woman, had her go through a trial period with the kids, did a background check on care.com, and everything seemed to check out.

Laura Hill, a mother of 2, says the video is disturbing

“I think as a mother that’s one of your worst fears because you can’t be with your child 24/7 their entire childhood,” Hill said, “When I first put my child to a daycare, I mean I was terrified, because this child your most precious thing, is left with somebody, and I mean you’re just praying that it goes alright,” Hill said.

So, what can parents do to find a responsible caregiver, whether it’s an in home nanny or a daycare?

Kristean Wells, owner of Little Monsters Little Angels Daycare in Palm Desert says parents should start by reaching out to people they know for possible recommendations.

“Word of mouth, talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors, talk to the people at school and say would you recommend them?” Wells said.

Ask a lot of questions about a person’s background during an interview. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of certifications and licensing. Someone who is licensed is registered with the state.

“They do a background check, we send it to Sacramento, and we do an FBI check too, fingerprints, and everything has to be cleared too before you bring somebody into your facility,” Wells said.

Check all references, including former employees. Also, go with your intuition, if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t, even after you’ve hired someone.

“If I can feel that vibe that you got that family orientation kind of feeling, that’s basically what I look for,” Wells said.

There’s also steps parents can take with their children, if there is ever doubt of any child abuse. Talk to your kids, ask them questions such as, ‘Does your [nanny/daycare] teacher ever yell?’ What does your [nanny/daycare] teacher do when you’re in trouble? Experts say children will most likely tell you the truth.