NSW Daycare Abuse Allegation Sparks Investigation

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A New South Wales family daycare service is under scrutiny after a mother alleged that her two-year-old daughter was sexually abused by a man living at the daycare premises. The man was reportedly the partner of the woman operating the in-home daycare. The child’s parents say they were not informed he lived there.

The incident allegedly occurred at a family daycare based in a private residence. These services operate under national childcare regulations and receive federal subsidies, though they are managed by individual providers from their homes.

The mother, Jennifer, said she became concerned after her daughter Ava began making unsettling references to a man after attending the daycare. While some remarks appeared harmless, others were troubling enough to raise serious concerns. Jennifer said she had no knowledge that another adult lived in the home, a factor she believes compromised her child’s safety.

Authorities including New South Wales Police, the Department of Education, and the Department of Communities and Justice investigated the allegations. Despite these efforts, no criminal charges were filed due to a lack of physical evidence. Jennifer said the daycare remains operational and that the man in question continues to live on the property.

“We just didn’t know there was another adult in the home. We would never have enrolled our child if we had known,” Jennifer said.

The case has sparked concerns about regulatory oversight in the family daycare sector. While providers must pass background checks and meet safety standards, it remains unclear whether all adults residing at the premises are subject to clearance or if their presence must be disclosed to parents.

The Department of Education declined to comment on the specific case but affirmed its commitment to child safety and regulatory enforcement. Family daycare operators in New South Wales are required to be registered with an approved provider and comply with national education and care laws, including maintaining a safe environment for children.

The incident has prompted calls for stronger transparency measures to ensure that families are fully informed about who is present in daycare settings and that all adults in the home meet the necessary safety requirements.