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Thinking about installing Nanny-cam? Think about these things first

(NAN.ee-kam) n. A special video recording and surveillance system - small enough to be concealed inside stereo equipment or a teddy bear - utilised in private homes and commercial environments to monitor the standard of care supplied by nannies and carers who are required to work with a child, disabled or aged person with restrictions.

Disturbing videos of caregivers abusing children and other vulnerable people have been displayed on various evening news programs across the country. As a result, the use of "Nanny-cams" in Australia is on the rise. But do they really safeguard our children? What are the obligations under the Privacy legislation and are there any alternatives?

Nanny-cams have only been used in Australia for about the past five years and were predominantly introduced into commercial premises such as Pre-Schools, Child Care and Child Minding facilities.

According to CDD Investigations, there has been an escalation in the use of Nanny-cams in private residences where full time nannies, long-term carers and even babysitters are employed. With the new technology parents can view their own homes via the Internet while at work or from their laptop computer if mobile. They are also able to monitor the child’s general behaviour and the interaction with the carer.

Steve Worboys, Total Telecommunications Services believes that surveillance in the home is definitely on the increase and this is partly due to the reduction in cost over the years. “Surveillance in the home started with video intercoms some years back, allowing the home owner to see who was at the door before opening. With technology getting cheaper homeowners are opting to wire the whole house, including Nanny-cams, as an additional safety option. Surveillance systems can be hired, rented or even leased, so families can try a system out before they commit to purchasing it outright.”

CDD Investigations sees the issue of control as another reason for the installation of Nanny-cams. Parents may feel they are not in control of what happens to their children once they leave their side and want to rectify this by whatever means necessary. The use of Nanny-cams is one way to do this. They want to know that nothing of which they do not approve is happening in their absence.

When you leave your family and home in someone else's care, you lose control. By using certain electronic devices to monitor your home or children, you feel that you remain in control. Steve Worboys agrees. “Parents still see themselves as guardians of their premises. It’s not just the carers that they may want to monitor but anyone else who is given access to their loved ones while they are absent.”

Nanny-cams are not usually covert (ie. secret or hidden) unless some form of evidence is required to substantiate suspected criminal activity or inappropriate behaviour by the carer or any other person. Such placement of Covert Surveillance cameras (while a grey area in residential homes) comes under the NSW Workplace Surveillance Act 1988, which deals with the use of covert surveillance cameras in the workplace. An application to a local Court should be made and a ‘Covert Surveillance Authority’ needs to be secured before covert cameras can be installed. Even when a successful application is issued by a Court, the employer is generally required to tell the employee/s that they would be under video surveillance in the workplace.

While the home is a private residence the owner is the employer of the carer and therefore required to comply with the Workplace Video Surveillance Act 1998 (NSW). The use of a Nanny-cam in a private residence requires the employee to be made aware, prior to commencement of employment, that surveillance of the workplace is being conducted and that his or her activities will be monitored by surveillance cameras.

The basic rule in a private residence is to forewarn the carer who is employed there that surveillance cameras have been installed within the house. The carer should be advised that it is part of the employment agreement between the carer and the employer/owner of the residence. The employee must be willing to work under these conditions knowing that he or she may be under surveillance via the Nanny-cam and informed that it has been installed so that the employer may monitor the child/children’s activities from a remote location.

Something that parents may be surprised to know is that there are inherent obligations for the parent or guardian of a child to take appropriate action to maintain and ensure the safety of a child under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.

Dena Blackman, founder of DIAL-AN-ANGEL® insists that these obligations must be taken seriously if children are going to be kept safe and secure. “The checking of personal and work references is best carried out by professionals when hiring carers. Reputable placement agencies normally undertake several security checks. Some parents and guardians either conduct no checks at all or are unable to conduct these background assessments adequately before engaging a carer.”

After spending 37 years screening, recruiting and training nannies, carers and babysitters, Dena has some apprehension about using technology as a panacea for all our concerns. “If a carer was really malicious - she would find a way to "beat the system" - either by taking the child outside the home or into a garage or car.” Dena believes that if a parent informs the carer that her actions are being recorded and will be viewed later, the carer may modify her behaviour, leading parents to believe they have made a sound hiring decision. This gives them a false sense of security. "Telling carers you are recording their actions and behaviour is like giving them answers before they sit the exam. However this is a legal requirement.”

“Most important is the issue of trust. Even the best carer may feel resentful if she felt she was being watched all the time. Would she not feel vulnerable and untrustworthy? How would this affect her interaction and relationship with the children? Would the client expect her to be occupied all the time - even when the child/ren were asleep? Ultimately, if a family is truly concerned about the carer - why would they continue to employ her?” adds Dena.

Dena believes that the key to success is prevention. This means that time and care must be taken prior to the engagement of a carer to assist in making the best selection.

Placement Agency or Self-Search?
If you can afford it, agencies simplify the carer search, provide a buffer between your family and unwelcome applicants and save you time. Reputable agencies always pre-screen nannies by phone prior to a personal interview in a neutral environment. The applicants complete extensive paperwork, often undergoing a series of interviews and evaluations. Competent assessment helps the interviewer learn about the applicant’s relationships, independence, coping skills, tendencies towards depression and more. Copies of the applicant’s driving licence and a Working with Children Check must also be undertaken. Finally, previous employers are asked specific as well as open-ended questions to find out how the applicant responded to any difficult and/or unusual situations.

In addition to these extensive screening processes, CDD Investigations has also seen an increase in the use of surveillance of the carer applicant outside the residence prior to taking up a position with a family. In this way, the family can assess how the carer interacts socially, where they go with children in their care and how they treat them.

It is not easy to find the perfect carer for your family. Dena says, "Give yourself plenty of time to find the right carer for your children. Do not attempt to hasten the process. Search cautiously, ask questions and find someone who fits in with your family philosophy and lifestyle. Do not necessarily employ the first candidate you interview. Take your time and always, always check references. If a parent’s final choice is an unqualified applicant, it may be wise to suggest she undertake a training program before engagement to enhance her knowledge".

The use of electronic recording devices does offer peace of mind to some employers but ultimately, the decision to use them is a very personal one. The reality is that Nanny-cam quite often only records damage already done. Sadly, by then it may be too late.

Dena Blackman founded DIAL-AN-ANGEL over 38 years ago and today it is the only national agency specialising in the provision of home and family care. The company provides childcare, nannies, occasional babysitting, before and after-school care, emergency "fill-in" child carers, as well as housekeeping services, Eldercare-at-home®, in-home nursing, handyman services, in-home entertaining and corporate functions.

For further information contact Danielle Robertson, CEO, DIAL-AN-ANGEL Pty Limited on 02 9362 4225 or email on administration@dialanangel.com