[blazer1]

Is there a law for Washington State that states that a care-giver must pick up, and tend to, an infant child if said child has been crying for a specific amount of time? If so and the care-giver does not adhear to protocol, can child neglect charges be filed and, can the employers demand repayment of funds paid to said care-giver? I am in such a situation and my (former) employer's have fired me, demanded repayment, and filed a restraining order against me. They have told me that they will be contacting my references and letting them know about this and they have threatened to bury me in legal action as the husband I was working for is a lawyer. I was aware that I was on a "nanny cam" and felt as though I was performing. I have been caring for a one year old child for about three months. I have been aware that I am on nanny cam and have performed my duties within reason. Some days I did the required house work while the child was awake as opposed to asleep as my contract states I should not do. I allowed the infant to cry for more than 15 minutes during his nap time in the hope that he would fall back asleep and did not check on him in person as I had a video monitor allowing me to see him and make sure he was not in harms way. My (former) employer is a lawyer and is demanding repayment of $2300 for "not fullfiling my duties" and has said that he is going to file child neglect charges. This is in Washington State. Does the family have a case against me and do I have rights/options for defence?

[justcurious55]

I'd be getting my own attorney right about now if I were you. I wouldn't consider that child neglect, almost common practice in my entire extended family. And many times the kids to go back to sleep. But if this guy is an attorney, you should level the playing field. Who knows what tricks he's got up his sleeves. You mentioned a contract and that you did not follow it entirely. Don't talk to this family anymore unless your own attorney advices it.

[cdad]

First off he is going to have to prove abuse. The other thing he is going to have to prove is his credentials in child rearing. Because if he is to contact your references and he thinks he's doing a good job he's the one on the whipping post for slander. If he was a real lawyer he would know that. Also you don't threaten someone. Period.
It would be different if you were on nanny cam and stealing the place blind. But that is not the story here. So let him try.
If you do receive papers fromm the court get a lawyer. If he says anything to your references get a lawyer. And get an restraining order on him.