Babysitting, sleepovers & school camps

Babysitting and sleepovers

It’s your decision whether to use a babysitter occasionally or to let the child in your care sleep over at a friend’s house.

You MUST let your care team know if there is someone new living in your house (such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, friend or family member), or if there is someone new having regular contact with the child in your care (for example, if you have a new partner). New household members require probity checks to be completed.

Probity checks are not required for someone who occasionally cares for your child, for example, a mum or dad from school who brings the child home with their own child every now and then. Use your judgment when making decisions about how safe and appropriate it is for the child to be babysat or stay overnight in another home. Always make sure anyone who is looking after a child has your contact details.

If in doubt talk to your care team before making a decision about babysitting or sleepovers.

Regular or long-term child minding

If you are planning to leave a child in someone else’s care if you are going away talk to your care team first for advice. Also talk to your care team if an arrangement to leave a child in someone else’s care becomes regular (for example, every Wednesday evening when you go to netball). This applies whether the person looking after the child is a family member, friend, neighbour or a professional service such as vacation care or a recreational camp.

Regular childcare or after-school care

If you wish to enroll a child in regular childcare or after school care talk to your care team first as you may need approval.

School and vacation camps

School or vacation camps can offer children a holiday break full of adventure and fun. Talk to your care team first as you may need approval.

See the links below to your state or territory based carer resource for more information.