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Several things got up my nose about Wednesday night's Expose: Who's Looking After Your Child?

By JANE BOWRON, Dominion Press

Though childcare abuse is completely unacceptable, I couldn't help but make the judgment that the aggrieved parents in this British documentary featuring secret video footage of abusive child minders were classic buck-passers.

The first couple, Peter and Lee, had entrusted the care of their three-month-old daughter Emily into the hands of a child "care" worker who had split Emily's scalp, leaving her with severe physical and mental disabilities.

Three years on since the assault, one winced as we watched the pretty toddler make her painful steps around a playroom and grope blindly in broad daylight during her now-necessary 24-hour care.

Peter and Lee were furious about Emily's plight and railed against a system that left them vulnerable to a nanny who had lied about her experience.

The documentary showed how easy it was for a nanny to fudge a CV, how little research nannying agencies conducted on their employees, and called for the implementation of a nanny register to be set up.

In an experiment that borrowed from the entertaining British TV series Faking It, in which novices are given a short amount of hot-house training with experts before passing themselves off as the real thing, parents interviewed three nannies and could not spot the fake.

The parents' questions were analysed by a childcare expert, who told parents not to accept glib answers, but supplied the kind of glib, commonsense interviewing technique advice that was so obvious it undermined the purpose of the experiment.

Another angry parent, this time an American who had installed a nanny-cam after her son Nicholas had begun to behave oddly toward the nanny, expressed shock at seeing him repeatedly hit and swung from the ankles.

"I thought Nico was getting the love I was giving him when I was home" and "it makes me sad to think that, for the first year, he was going through this" were two statements made by parents that left one wondering why any parent in their right mind would entrust the well-being of really young children to the care of complete strangers.

How many times have we heard parents declare that looking after a child is the toughest job they have ever done?

So expecting others to do the hard yards of caring and disciplining offspring who are not theirs is surely a complete and calculated cop-out.

We watched one mother who had enrolled her child in a creche with cameras in every room log on to the Internet so she could watch how her child was being looked after and sanctimoniously express the desire to have the same system installed in schools.

The director of the creche with video cameras virtuously told us how potential childcare workers who objected to having their every movement filmed while on the job were viewed as workers who had something to hide.

Considering the pittance childcare workers receive for doing the toughest job, the added intrusion of having a camera record their employment was surely an erosion of their rights.

But the parents who dropped their children off at the nursery door, or left them with a childcare worker, took the moral high ground and expressed absolute astonishment when it all went horribly wrong.

The final objection I had to the documentary was the way it seemed to enjoy and revel in showing the nasty footage netted from the nanny-cams.

To the accompaniment of creepy music, we watched as amateur sadists maltreated children while the parents bleated to the interviewer about the parlous state of the nanny industry.

What seemed so astounding was the lack of self-awareness or willingness of the parents to ask themselves whether it was really necessary to leave the fate of their precious and terribly young children, babies even, to paid help?

With childcare experts and the narrator continually repeating that every parent wants assurance that their baby is getting the best care, why didn't anyone have the guts to say that that kind of fundamental care and bonding can be given by the parent?

Many UK nanny agencies fail to make correct checks

07 October 2004

LONDON: Many nanny agencies in Britain fail to carry out proper checks when recruiting staff, putting children in potential danger, according to a report in consumer affairs magazine Which?

Unqualified and inexperienced "nannies" are taken on by the agencies which often fail to take up proper references or conduct criminal record checks.

Many parents use agencies because they are authorised to carry out Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, which parents cannot do themselves. CRB checks include details of convictions, police cautions, reprimands or warnings.

"The results of our investigation will make worrying reading for parents. It's nerve-wracking enough leaving children in a stranger's care, without the added worry that nanny agencies may not be making the checks they claim," said Which? editor Malcolm Coles in a statement.

A Which? staffer sought work as a nanny, claiming her only experience was occasional babysitting for her sister. Twenty nanny agencies were contacted, chosen at random and from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) - a professional body for nanny agencies.

A quarter were prepared to take on a nanny with no experience, and some did not insist on references or proper checks.

Nannies and au-pairs are the only unregulated form of childcare in Britain which is why many parents use agencies to vet staff to look after their children.

Childcare experts say a nanny with sole responsibility for a child should have at least two years' childcare experience or a suitable qualification.

Nanny Gate

TheatreWorks looks at maternal urges in 'Living Out'

By Marianne Messina

WHEN ACTRESS Isabelle Ortega recently visited an ESL class at Atherton High School, she asked students if they knew of any relatives who were nannies. "Most of them said, 'My mom is a nanny,'" Ortega reports. She's been visiting local schools to invite students to the upcoming TheatreWorks play by Lisa Loomer, Living Out. The play focuses on two working women with children, Latina nanny Ana Hernandez (Ortega) and the Anglo lawyer who hires her, Nancy Robin.

Hernandez has left one young son back in El Salvador and is working to bring him to the United States. And her story strikes home with many of the Atherton High students, who tell Ortega they are recent immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Living Out is often a humorous play, and since some of the humor is rooted in stereotypes, Ortega brings the issue up in classes. The Atherton class was ready for her: "When I first got there," Ortega recounts, "there was a young boy who you could see has been hurt a lot. And when I said I was Colombian, he said, 'Oh, did you bring some cocaine with you?' I just smiled and didn't say anything, and then at one point, the same boy says, 'Well, what is stereotyping?' And I said, 'What you just did when I told you that I was Colombian and you immediately equated that to drug dealing—that's stereotyping.'"

Living Out's director, Armando Molina, found that he was attracted early on to socially responsible humor. "Not just humor for its own sake," Molina says, "but humor that said something sort of more profound about our society." Molina has worked with Living Out from its first production in L.A. to New York, where he put his stamp on the script, to Minneapolis, where he took charge as director. Like Molina, Ortega comes to TheatreWorks from the Minneapolis production, but the two face different challenges. His concerns are technical, like how the very intimate Minneapolis production will translate onto TheatreWorks' much larger stage. "The larger space is going to test the amount of fluidity; it's going to test the speed," Molina says. "I would prefer the faster the better, because it's episodic, and it's multiple scenes, and we don't want to let people have an opportunity to read a novel between scenes."

Ortega, however, is glad to have the chance to fill in some of her character's backstory—is Ana lying when she says she has a mother in San Francisco? "When we did it in Minneapolis, we did it so fast—within three weeks we developed both the Spanish version and an English version." Ortega likes to work with a very detailed biography, and all the more so with Loomer's writing. "Lisa writes like a Rubik's Cube; everything in the play has a connection." Another issue for Ortega—one she finds fascinating—is that playing Ana to a different actress such as Nancy (Rebecca Dines) has actually brought out a new Ana in herself. "A play is a song with words," Ortega says. "It might be the same song ... but depending on the partner that you have, the dance could be completely different."

Isabelle Ortega intends to visit at least 10 more Bay Area classrooms, encouraging people who identify with Ana's background to come see the play. Molina has found that the presence of Latinos, especially nannies, in the audience electrifies the theater. The show's split perspectives can lead to lively post-show dialogue, something Molina and Ortega hope for. "You're able to then put everything on the table," says Ortega. Dialogue is part of the reason she and Molina have been so invested in Living Out—"Whether it's difficult and it's angry," says Ortega, "You're talking about it, and hopefully things change."

Living Out, a TheatreWorks production, plays Wednesday­Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2 and 8pm (no matinee Oct 9 and 30)) and Sunday at 2 and 7pm (no evening show Oct. 24 and 31) at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro and Mercy streets, Mountain View. Tickets are $20­$50. (650.903.6000

Louise Woodward: Ex-nanny defends herself over baby death, now lawyer

NOTE: Press still gets it wrong all these years later. Do they ever listen? Do they care
about their mistakes and the impact they have on US nannies who are not au pairs but
child care professionals, unlike Ms. Woodward.

Ex-nanny defends herself over baby death
Thu 7 October, 2004 03:28

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former nanny Louise Woodward, who was found guilty in 1997 of killing a baby in Massachusetts, by shaking him violently has maintained her innocence in a U.S. television news program to be aired today.

"I didn't for one second think I would be convicted," Woodward told ABC's "Primetime Live" in an interview.

"I believed I would be found innocent. I believed that I would be totally vindicated at trial," she said.

Woodward, who has recently begun a career at home as a lawyer, was an 18-year-old au pair when she was charged with murdering 8-month-old Matthew Eappen, who was under her care.

She served 10 months in jail after her conviction for second-degree murder before it was reduced to involuntary manslaughter on appeal and she was released.

In 1999 Eappen's family settled a civil suit against Woodward that ensured she did not profit from the boy's death, and their lawyer said the criminal justice system had failed the family.

Although the American Academy of Paediatrics considers the syndrome a serious form of child abuse with some 1,300 reported cases a year, some doctors claim it is misdiagnosed causing innocent people to be sent to prison.

Dr. Jan Leestma, a forensic neuropathologist interviewed for the show, said the syndrome is more theory than science. Last spring, a pair of editorials written by children's doctors in the British Medical Journal urged a reconsideration of the syndrome.

Woodward told the ABC program that she found the prosecution's representation of the violent shaking of the baby to be "shocking" and "ridiculous" at her trial.

"'When they asked me, 'did you shake him?' I said, 'Yes, to revive him.' But nothing like what they were suggesting."

Woodward said the fact that she could not explain how Matthew died sealed her fate.

"People want an answer, and they want an explanation. And if you can't provide one, you're almost punished for that."

Au pair Woodward relives baby trial agony

ALAN MacDERMID of The Herald

LOUISE Woodward, the British au pair found guilty in 1997 of killing a baby in Massachusetts by shaking him violently, maintained her innocence on US network television last night.
In a programme challenging the validity of the so-called shaken baby syndrome, the former au pair said that, during her trial in Massachusetts seven years ago, she did not think for one second that she would be convicted.

"I believed I would be found innocent. I believed that I would be totally vindicated at trial," she said.
Woodward, who has recently begun work in England as a lawyer, was 18 when she was charged with murdering eight-month-old Matthew Eappen.

She served 10 months in jail after her conviction for second-degree murder before it was reduced to involuntary manslaughter on appeal and she was released.

In 1999, the family settled a civil suit against Woodward that ensured she did not profit from the boy's death, and their lawyer said the criminal justice system had failed the family.

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics considers the syndrome a serious form of child abuse, with some 1300 reported cases a year, some doctors claim it is misdiagnosed, causing innocent people to be sent to prison.

Last spring, editorials written by children's doctors in the British Medical Journal urged reconsideration of the syndrome.

Doctors attending Europe's first international Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) conference in Edinburgh last year also called for changes. Robert Minns, a surgeon at the city's Royal Hospital For Sick Children, said there should be a tribunal system rather trial by jury.

Woodward had been hired by Sunil and Deborah Eappen in November 1996. When paramedics arrived at the Eappen household, they found that one baby had a two-and-a-half-inch skull fracture.
Woodward, who was not paid for the TV interview, said she found the prosecution's representation of the violent shaking of the baby to be "shocking" and "ridiculous".

Hollywood Star in Surprise Reunion with Nanny

Hollywood Star in Surprise Reunion with Nanny

By Jennifer Hill, Scottish Press Association

American film legend Dennis Hopper was today surprised to be reunited with his former nanny at a golfing tournament.

The nostalgic reunion, which happened by chance, took place on the Old Course at St Andrews during the Dunhill Links Championship.

Hopper said he was “delighted” to bump into Marion Paul, who served as his nanny more than four decades ago, during his first visit to Scotland.

“I’m delighted to see Marion after all these years,” said the 68-year-old actor. “She was a fantastic nanny and very close to the children, who adored her.

“It was such a surprise to see her on my first visit to Scotland. I am delighted that we have the opportunity to dine together tonight to catch up and relive some of our old memories.”

Mrs Paul, formerly Miss McIntyre, worked for Brooke Heyward, Hopper’s first wife, before they met, and for the couple after they married in 1961.

Initially caring for Heyward’s sons Willie and Jeff from a previous marriage, the nanny later looked after the couple’s daughter Marin, who was born a year later.

She gave up the post in 1964 after marrying Los Angeles-based photographer Stan Paul and lived in California until he died in 1987.

The former nanny returned to Scotland to be near her daughter, who was born and raised in the US, but moved to Ayrshire after marrying a Scotsman.

Mrs Paul said today: “I have been coming to the Dunhill for the past four years with my grandson, Jeffrey.

“When we arrived on Wednesday night he came running into my room to tell me that Dennis was taking part in this year’s tournament and I couldn’t believe it.

“I was Brooke’s nanny, looking after her two sons when she met Dennis who, at the time, was still very much an up and coming actor.

“I have many great memories of my time spent working with them. We went through so much together – I was at their wedding and with them when their daughter, Marin, was born.

“I was also with them a few years later when their Bel Air mansion was completely destroyed by fire and they lost everything.

“We then moved into a house on Hollywood Boulevard which was hit by a major mudslide.

“Brooke mainly cared for little Marin while the boys were my main responsibility,” she recalled.

“They were lovely, bright children who used to call me Miss Mac.

“I’ve kept in touch with both boys over the years, but have not seen Dennis for 40 years, so I was so thrilled to get the chance to catch up with him today.

“We had a great chat and talked about some of the memories we shared from those days when I worked for him.

“I even called him by his first name, which is something I had never done before.

“He was always a joy to work for and I was delighted to see him here in Scotland after all these years.”

Woods confirms marriage to Swedish nanny

Golfer says he married Nordegren on Tuesday. Levi, Hall shoot 64, share first at event in Texas

From Beacon Journal wire services

Tiger Woods finally confirmed Friday what everybody's known for the past three days: He married Swedish nanny Elin Nordegren in Barbados.

``There certainly has been a lot of speculation about my personal life, which is why Elin and I wanted to confirm that we got married on Tuesday,'' Woods said on his Web site. ``Elin and I celebrated this wonderful occasion with our close friends and family, and we look forward to starting our new life together.''

Woods canceled an appearance Sunday in Orlando, Fla., where he was to meet with winners of the Buick Scramble, the world's largest amateur event. Woods has an endorsement deal with Buick.

He is expected to return to the PGA Tour on Oct. 21 for the Funai Classic at Walt Disney World.

BOSTON AREA NANNY SUPPORT GROUP

BOSTON AREA NANNY SUPPORT GROUP - Third Saturday of the month, noon-2 p.m., Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St. Led by Cambridge resident Janice St. Clair. For information, call 617-491-2541 or visit www.bigfoot.com/~janstclair.

How To Find The Right Nanny

(CBS) Finding a nanny to care for your children can be hard and stressful because you are trusting this person with your most precious and beloved treasures - your children.

Miriam Arond, the editor-in-chief of Child magazine, visits The Early Show Monday with advice on how to make the process less stressful and more successful.

While agencies can help place nannies, Arond says parents need to take an active role.

First, you need to figure out how much you can afford. If you have more than one child, a nany ay be more cost effective. If you have one child and finances are tight, day-care may be a better option.

A lot also may depend on commuting and the realities of your lifestyle - if you work late or irregular hours, you may be better with a nanny.

It's definitely a dollar-and-cents issue. But, even if you can afford a nanny, you may want day-care for a more social atmosphere for the child.

When you're interviewing nannies, it's very important to do two interviews with them as well as screening them over the phone.

Then meet them in person and talk about how they handle different issues, like sleep and discipline. Find out their status with their previous employer. (It's great, if they're still in touch).

Bring the child out and watch them interact.

Check the references the nanny gave you. Make sure the person isn't a relative. Check the tone and genuineness of the reference. Even if an agency has already checked references, you need to talk to those people. Somebody can think a nanny is fantastic but you may have a whole different list of criteria. By calling the references you can see if you relate to them and whether or not your priorities are similar.

By checking up yourself, you can gauge if they're going to work for you. You can never be too careful with the background checks. This is one of the most important decisions you're going to make.

Agencies do criminal background checks and motor vehicle background checks, and it's easier to have someone else do that for you.

There are agencies that can refer candidates to you. If you have friends with nannies, then you might be able to get referrals that way, and if you live in a small area there are local papers with job listings.

There are also Web sites that offer job postings for nannies.
A lot of people feel more secure with agencies, especially if they are tight on time.

As far as benefits go, treat this person like a member of your family. If they're not happy, it's going to trickle down to your child.

Think about what you like and discuss in advance the holidays you'll be giving off. You may want to talk about them planning their vacation when you're away, and be honest about the flexibility you expect, like how much notice you need before they take a day off.

You want to be as generous as possible but you don't want someone calling in sick every day. It is important to think about backup if the nanny is sick, which is the downside to having a nanny.

I think starting with two weeks vacation is the norm and the hours vary - some people pay more so they have a longer day, and in some cases cleaning and shopping are also involved.

If you need someone to run errands for you it may cost a little more. Providing health insurance is the right thing to do. Some people may not get the nanny health insurance, but they pick up medical bills.

Whether or not you should put your agreement in writing is up to you, but put down your expectations in writing.

You don't have to think of it as an official contract. You do have to write down that this will be finessed as time goes on, because you may want to add something that wasn't originally discussed.

And it has to be clear that it's a relationship that works for both sides - a work in progress. You want to find someone who you can talk to and have a relationship with.

Once you've hired your nanny, it's extremely important to have the nanny come over while you're still home to see how your day goes.

This gives the nanny a chance to see how you deal with the kids, what they eat, what's acceptable and what's not. You can introduce them to neighbors and have family members drop by to meet them.

See how they put the baby down for a nap, how they give them a bath, and so on.

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