I did advertise for a babysitter but I also requested that they have a criminal record check, child abuse registry check & know first aid. I have a 5 year old & 6 month old. My older daughter wasn't left with a sitter until she was almost 4 so she could communicate with me already. I think you just have to be really careful no matter where you look, even churches. Another thing might be to invest in nanny cams so to speak. Or even tell the person that you have them even if you don't. I also have requested that the person come & meet us with our kids so we can see how she meshes with us and the one sitter I have chosen has agreed to come here a few times and interact with the kids while I am at home. If the person doesn't want to do that, I would see it as a huge warning sign.

It is so hard to have no one that you trust 100% to watch your kids. Just go with your gut instincts.