Advice on choosing a babysitter

11:18 AM, Aug 2, 2012   |    comments
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PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -  A Craigslist posting by someone interested in giving young children baths lead police to a man who's charged with sexually assaulting a 4 year old girl he was babysitting and recording the act on his cellphone.

Eric Bard, of Sidney, is being held on 100-thousand dollars bail following his first court appearance on monday. Officials say a search warrant executed at his home yielded a memory card with images of the alleged abuse that police say happened between september and march.

According to an affidavit, police interviewed the victim, who told them that Bard touched her, went in the shower with her and took photos.

Parents often face a difficult challenge when having to choose a baby sitter. Trusting someone other than family with your child can be one of the most emotionally straining parts of parenthood. Rebecca Hoffman, a licensed family therapist offered us some advice on picking a babysitter you can trust on NEWS CENTER at 5.

Hoffman says you should really search for a babysitter through referrals. If your best friend uses a babysitter and speaks highly of her, then set up a meeting to meet with that person. Interview a handfull of babysitters who respond to your ad. Ask morality question when you interview her. Ask questions like, 'what are your views on disciplining a child?' Call every reference of the babysitter you want to hire. And you might want to consider buying a nanny cam.