schizophrenic nanny

[teobaldo]

I was looking for a temp nanny to look after my dd who is 1 for one day a week and for my son when he comes back from school (he is 5). I called a nanny agency to have more guarantess. They sent me two women, the one I preferred mentioned that she is on antidepressant medications, I kind of panicked but talked to the agency that assured me that she is a wonderful person, really good with the other girl she is looking after. She told me that the other family has asked to look a letter from the doctor and that perhaps I could ask her as well ( given that I felt it was rude to ask for the reasons of the medications. Anyway to cut a long story short she came to show me the letter, which said she was actually schizophrenic but stable with medications and ok to look for work ( did not mention children though) This woman is lovely, so one side of me feels I should not discriminate her the other just think after all my responsability is towards my children.... Any advise ? I am actually quite annoyed with the agency. Does anyone know if legally is it possible for a schizophrenic on medications to work with children ?

No way no how I would leave my young child in the sole care of a schizophrenic nanny. Do you really need to ask. Ask yourself where your priorities lie: with your children or with a "lovely" (but schizophrenic) girl you hardly know and have not yet employed.

Really.... Put you children first.

You are absolutely right to have concerns. I have personal and professional experience of people with schizophrenia.

Yes, there is a lot of negative press about the disease. People are ignorant about it. 1% of the population suffer from it.

But, part if it's manifestation can be relapses and instability. Yes, lots of people can be controlled with medication satisfactorily, it is also fairly common for sufferers to stop or reduce their medication, largely because the side-effects can be unpleasant.

Of course people with schizophrenia should have jobs and a productive role in society, like all disabilities.

Should they be in sole charge of young children? I'm not sure.

Wouldn't it always play on your mind though? it would with me. You have to feel comfortable with the situation when you are away at work. If for some reason you tried to call her and couldnt get hold of her, would you panic?

There are so many nannys out there I just wouldnt take the risk, you have choice. But then I am risk adverse!

ps Strix..I think I have agreed with every post you have written since I joined mumsnet...all I need to post from now on is 'I agree with Strix' :-)

give the op a break, she came and asked for advice and she said she knows nothing about the illness - hence why she asked for opinions and she got jumped on

she didnt say omfg im not employing this nanny

obv some on here feel that this nanny wouldnt be safe looking after children and that is their opinion, but this nanny has admitted she has an illness and she got help and is on the right medication for it and more to the point she hadnt hidden her illness and was HONEST about it

im glad you are giving her a chance