Staying Safe During Unwanted Visits
You may have seen recent reports of harassment, filming, and unsubstantiated claims targeting child care providers here in California. It’s important to know that you have rights, and that your union, Child Care Providers United, is here to help you enforce those rights. You can contact us with questions or to report an incident at PRC@ccpuca.org or by phone at 888) 583-CCPU (2278).
If you are visited or harassed by a stranger, remember that:
- You are not alone
- Harassment is not an investigation
- You are doing essential work for children and families
- Attempts by third parties to engage in “investigations” must follow lawful and regulated processes
- When in doubt, prioritize safety
Click below to find additional resources you can use in the event of an unauthorized visit.
Is an unwanted visitor at your door or harassing you at your home?
Download, print, and hang this checklist near the inside of your door in case you are approached or harassed by an unwanted visitor. This guidance explains your rights, what legitimate investigations look like, and what to do if someone shows up at your program. When in doubt, contact Child Care Providers United (CCPU) at PRC@ccpuca.org or by phone at 888) 583-CCPU (2278).
There are legal protections that may apply to these situations, including:
- The Ralph Civil Rights Act (Civil Code section 51.7) protects you from violence against you or your property because of your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and other protected characteristics.
- California Penal Code section 647(i), which says: …every person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor:. . . (i) Who, while loitering, prowling, or wandering upon the private property of another, at any time, peeks in the door or window of an inhabited building or structure, without visible or lawful business with the owner or occupant.
- California Assembly Bill 1979 (Civil Code Section 1708.89) defines doxing as unlawfully sharing someone else’s personally identifiable information online or through electronic means for the purpose of intentionally causing the victim or their immediate family unwanted physical contact, injury, or harassment by a third party. If you have been a victim of doxing, you can consult with an attorney and consider filing a lawsuit. Damage awards to victims range from $1,500-$30,000 in compensation for physical harm, emotional distress, or property damage resulting from the incident. Courts may also order the offenders to stop any future doxing activities. Importantly, victims may use pseudonyms to protect their identities throughout the lawsuit.
Child care providers have rights, and we aren’t afraid to enforce them!
Download this sign to hang in our window so that any unwanted visitors who may turn up on your doorstep know that the law protects child care providers from people who are loitering or wandering on your property, or trying to peek in your door or windows.
Child care providers stand united in support of one another and against hate.
Print and download this sign to show your solidarity with other providers–whether Black, brown, Asian, or white–and to stand against hate in our communities.
No one wants their child filmed by a stranger without our permission – whether that’s in a home child care, playground, or classroom. And nobody wants to be subjected to hateful, racist, or anti-immigrant attacks by agitators and political extremists.
Unannounced visitor at your door?
Use this checklist to protect your rights
Your Most Important Right: Safety
Your first responsibility is always the safety of the children in your care and yourself.
Call 911 or local law enforcement immediately if 1) Someone is aggressive, threatening, or refusing to leave 2) Someone attempts to enter your home or program without permission 3) You feel unsafe 4) Children are placed at risk in any way. Harassment, intimidation, public confrontations, or filming children are not investigations. These situations should be treated as safety issues.
You Are Not Required to Open the Door or Share Information
You may speak through a closed door, window, or intercom, ask who they are or why they are there, ask them to leave, decline questions, and decline to be recorded.
You do not have to open the door to members of the public, media, social media personalities, unknown individuals, or people claiming to “investigate” without proper authority. Only authorized agencies may request records and certain provider information is protected by law and not public.
Only Authorized Agencies Can Conduct Investigations
Only government agencies with legal authority may conduct inspections or investigations.
You have the right to ask to see official photo ID, write down the person’s name and agency, contact DCYF to verify their identity, and refuse to engage if identity cannot be verified. Members of the public, community groups, or journalists do not conduct investigations. Fraud concerns are investigated formally by government entities, not public confrontations.
You Have the Right To Ask People to Leave
If someone shows up and is not authorized, you may tell them to leave.
You may end the conversation at any time, and you may contact law enforcement if they refuse. You do not need to explain yourself.
You Have the Right to Document Harassment and Report Hate
If it is safe to do so, you should document and report harassment or incidents of hate.
1) Record video or audio
2) Take photos
3) Write down details such as date and time, names given, physical descriptions, badge numbers, and vehicles/license plates.
Documentation may be helpful if harassment, threats, or false claims occur. If you experience harassment, threats, or targeting based on race, ethnicity, religion, language, or national origin, you can report it at calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess or (800) 884-1684.
