Photographers, managers, agents, acting coaches, vocal coaches, career specialists, casting directors, talent scouts...all can promise that with their help, your child too can light up the silver screen and be one of the few famous child actors. But how do you know whom to trust? Many have the ability to "make your child a star" but few actually have the time or the patience to help parents make critical decisions, and all some are interested in is mommy and daddy's money, not getting your child work.

The following are five simple points parents need to know when it comes to protecting their children from the scams and scandals of Hollywood that offers kids the dream of being child actors:

It doesn't take thousands to get working

For many agents, a simple snap shot is enough to get an interview. Chances are, the agent will not like the headshot you bring in, and will want to re-shoot anyway. Save the money and send in a snap shot of your child just being a playful, energetic kid. No need to make them look older; in fact, you're at an advantage if your child looks younger than he she actually is. Some child actors play younger.  

Taking on a manager

This is a major concern for many parents; is a manager the right choice for me? Some believe that managers truly are the fastest and easiest way to getting an agent and booking the job. For others, managers are to be wary of, uncertain whether they have your child, or their bank account as top priority. While agents (those who are SAG franchised) have rules and regulations they must adhere to when dealing with child actors, managers go largely un-checked, and the choice to either sign with one or not comes down to a major personal character judgment. It's important to always remember that while there are many managers out there that are very good and very successful, but there is nothing to regulate their work or ethics. There is a general good rule of thumb amidst the industry; if you have ANY reservations, save yourself the money and your child the heartache of a bad manager, and either move on to another, or forget the idea all together. Always keep in mind that if a manager says they work closely with agencies, give them a call and ask. Most of the time the agency will be totally accommodating, and answer any questions about the manager you may have.

Acting coaches

Every young performer needs a great coach and all great child actors take classes. They must develop and foster their craft, while simultaneously learning the ins and outs of auditioning and booking a job in the industry. Agents can suggest a list of coaches they feel are suitable for young performers; however, in the end, it's up to you to decide who your child is going to work best with. It doesn't matter how many A list celebrity kids are on the coach's website, all that matter is that your child feels comfortable and safe. Make certain to get references, and follow up with them. You'll know very quickly if your child is going to work well with the coach, and make certain to shop around. Brilliant coaches commonly are not the ones who run the largest schools, so don't just settle for those who appear the most in trade publications.

Coogan Accounts

Coogan accounts are a must have for all young performers in order to protect child actors; in fact, your child MUST have one in order to work. The AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union is the best resource for learning about opening a Coogan account, and there are a number of ways for your child to qualify for eligibility in the Credit Union even if he or she is not yet a member of AFTRA or SAG. The sooner you get a Coogan account, the less stress you'll have when your child books for the first time.

The Agent Interview

Let your child do the work, and don't feel like you need to sell him her. Agents want to see your child's energetic personality, not yours. If your children truly want to work, and if they truly have what it takes, a good agent is going to pick them up. If not, it's better for your child to not force the issue, as this is what commonly "burns" young performers who desperately yearn to be child actors.