They shouldn't be, and that's a good way to go. They could probably even recommend a local babysitting service. Either way, they'd want to use a disclaimer saying that they weren't endorsing, etc.
Another option would be for a con to contract with a licensed and bonded daycare service to offer care onsite. That's more expensive, but would at least bring the service's insurance into the picture and show that the con took precautions by using licensed providers (though there's still the risk that a vengeful parent will keep the con in the lawsuit, the parent's lawyer isn't emotionally invested and knows where the money's coming from).
The problem, of course, is that some parents are very freaky people, and sue everyone in sight if something minor happens to their kid. A professional day-care service with an insurance policy has some protection, but an average con committee would bankrupt itself just hiring a lawyer to defend it. Psycho parents are a big risk for a con committee to deal with (though some do -- ConFusion, here in MI, provides a kid track where many parts of it don't require parental supervision). UCon does not -- there's a "Kid UCon," but one parent has to accompany the kid at all times. We've looked into hiring pros but can't afford it.
no subject
Another option would be for a con to contract with a licensed and bonded daycare service to offer care onsite. That's more expensive, but would at least bring the service's insurance into the picture and show that the con took precautions by using licensed providers (though there's still the risk that a vengeful parent will keep the con in the lawsuit, the parent's lawyer isn't emotionally invested and knows where the money's coming from).
The problem, of course, is that some parents are very freaky people, and sue everyone in sight if something minor happens to their kid. A professional day-care service with an insurance policy has some protection, but an average con committee would bankrupt itself just hiring a lawyer to defend it. Psycho parents are a big risk for a con committee to deal with (though some do -- ConFusion, here in MI, provides a kid track where many parts of it don't require parental supervision). UCon does not -- there's a "Kid UCon," but one parent has to accompany the kid at all times. We've looked into hiring pros but can't afford it.