terrified of this happening

[ohbollockswhatamess]

... testing first

name changing regular - this is my nightmare & I don't want to risk outing myself.

What do you do if you think that someone in a caring roll might have hurt your non verbal child? There are no witnesses.

What makes you think so?

Very difficult situation. Can your dc use any non-verbal methods to communicate? eg signing/pecs? Is their understanding sufficient to be able to respond to any kind of questions? Is there any physical evidence?

Difficult to say without knowing more of the situation. Is it at home/school/nursery? Is there any way of (for want of a better word) "spying"? eg hidden cameras? Sounds a bit ott perhaps, but if it's that serious might warrant it.

Goes without saying I desperately hope for all your sakes it hasn't happened.

something similar happenned at a nursery ds used to go to, a parent claimed someone had had her child by the throat as there was bruising on his neck when he got home, the child was non verbal and the only person who understood him was the mother.
as far as i remember the police were called but nothing could be proved as there were no witnesses and it was basically the mothers word as no one else could communicate with the child, and they couldnt prove whether it was abuse or an accident as the child was semi mobile and prone to falling etc

Oh God. That's awful.

Is it marks you've found or your dc's behaviour which gives it away?

If there are marks you need to get a really decent photo taken asap

Even if you can't prove anything the most important thing is that this person is not left alone with your child again.

The rest depends a lot on where it happened, who this person works for, how the child communicates...... Lots of variables really.

What a bloody nightmare!

It happened at home, I was not in room - don't leave dc alone with carers generally.

dc has challenging behaviour sometimes needs restraint - carer did not mention episode had happened even when asked.

carer is well trained & we've had professional relationship for over 18 months - had no concerns until now.

dc behaving strangely when I returned (5-10 mins) - distressed/angry/attention seeking. Only other time I have ever seen dc act like that was when family member lost temper & smacked dc (no longer have anything to do with them).

dc has limited understanding & can not answer questions (echolalic)- but some expressive language. Said 'X hurt'

Had a red mark on arm & hand but that could be anything

Will not leave dc alone with any carer ever again.

I have to say it sounds to me like something did happen. The most compelling evidence is the fact your dc said "x hurt" (assuming "x" is the carer?). Whether 'deliberate' or over-zealous restraint, it's totally appalling.

What did the carer say when asked about it?

The thing is about not leaving a carer alone ever again, what is the point of them being there if you can't trust them?

I would try and get a replacement - don't know the full situation of course, but is this feasible?