Experts Warn Parents Against Unregulated Childcare & Overreliance on Familiarity
Recent events and ongoing concerns have prompted experts to caution parents about the risks associated with unregulated childcare options and the potential dangers of assuming familiarity equates to safety.The discussion comes following allegations of abuse and a noted increase in families seeking alternatives to traditional childcare centres.
Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh, experienced in childcare cases, highlighted the prevalence of unregulated childcare services, noting they often operate discreetly, relying on word-of-mouth or text message referrals.”You don’t know how many are operating until someone gets reported,” he explained, adding that these services typically avoid public advertising and don’t adhere to required regulations. Disputes with parents are often the only trigger for regulatory authorities to become aware of their operation.
Singh also suggested that increased costs at approved childcare centres, potentially stemming from new regulations implemented after the allegations against former Melbourne daycare worker Joshua Dale Brown, could create a market for cheaper, non-compliant operators.
However, he stressed that even when considering alternatives like nannies or care from family and friends, vigilance is crucial. “A lot of child sex offences occur where parents know the perpetrators,” Singh stated,pointing out that statistics indicate children are more at risk when cared for by someone they know.
Amanda Ferguson, recruitment manager at nanny agency Nanager, confirmed a rise in inquiries for nanny services since the Brown scandal. She acknowledged that while centre-based childcare is heavily regulated, gaps can still exist within larger organizations. This has prompted many families to explore alternative care arrangements.
Authorities are taking steps to improve oversight. A Victorian government spokesperson stated that unlicensed services must cease operation and seek approval. The state is also strengthening its Working with Children Check scheme and participating in the advancement of a National Early Childhood Worker Register to ensure consistent bans across jurisdictions. An independent regulator for the early childhood education and care sector is expected by the end of the year, promising more frequent monitoring, improved screening processes, and increased transparency for parents.
Despite the regulations surrounding childcare centres, Deakin University’s Honorary Associate Professor anne-Marie Morrissey emphasized that regulation isn’t foolproof.”Regrettably…babies and toddlers…can’t tell you if something’s going wrong,” she said, underscoring the importance of careful consideration and due diligence nonetheless of the chosen care arrangement.
