While we sometimes would like to think the best of people it is extremely important to check on individuals that have access to our families. Conducting a background check on your child’s nanny or babysitter is almost a given in today’s society. Here is a list of some of the checks you might want to consider.
Crimcheck is available to assist you in performing and finding babysitter or nanny background checks, criminal records or reference checks in a timely and affordable manner.
Criminal Record
Ask your nanny for current and any previous addresses as well as their date of birth and social security number. From there you may want to hire a firm to conduct the check. They will be able to provide a social security trace that should list previous addresses you can cross check. Remember don’t just check the current county and city they live in. Check all adjacent counties as well.
Reference Check
This can be one of the most useful tools in determining someone’s character. Although you have to ask the right questions in the correct fashion. Don’t just ask for friends and relatives get previous employers as well. When interviewing references remember to ask if they are aware of any other places the individual has worked. These are known as developed references and they can be invaluable if the subject has left out any information. Call the references and tell them that your discussion is confidential to encourage them to be completely honest in their comments. Explain to them the importance of the position as it involves working with children. At a minimum ask about the applicant’s creativity, dependability, strengths, weaknesses, self-esteem, why she left, would they rehire her, and her ability to communicate.
Driving Record
If your nanny or babysitter will be transporting your children in a vehicle this is a very good idea to check. This may also reveal any type of erratic behavior such as DUIs. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This person will be spending quite a bit of time with your children and loved ones. It is important that you feel comfortable with your decision.
Common Mistakes Made While Performing Background Checks
Be Thorough
Above we have highlighted some of the most common and important checks. You may also want to go the extra mile and conduct a federal record search for criminal and civil filings including bankruptcies. A credit check which can show a persons reliability in paying their bills, etc. The main thing is to be sure and check as much as humanly possible. This is why you may want to hire a reliable background checking firm or private investigator when conducting these types of checks.
Don’t Go Cheap
In this economy it is understandable that families want to save money. In this instance though, it can be more costly to skimp on background checks. There are many companies that offer “cheap” background checks or criminal record checks. You see ads all the time “Conduct background checks for $24.95”. These companies are basically selling you a instant database check that checks numerous states. This information may be out of date or produce no results even when the subject does have a major criminal record. Some of these checks can be useful and there are some reputable resources that provide them (The Background network, Inc. being one). They are good for an extra layer of coverage or for just a cursory check to rule out initial candidates. Your best bet is an all inclusive check that covers hand checked multiple jurisdictions and incorporates the instant type databases.
Listen to Your Inner Voice
Even when things check out perfectly you may not have the perfect nanny or baby sitter. If the person makes you uncomfortable or upsets your children follow your gut instinct. Pay attention to detail when interviewing your child’s new caretaker. If something doesn’t seem right it may not be.
