Articles Concerning Investigations
Name: Todd Moss
Date: 01 June 2005
Nanny and Babysitter Background Checks
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.
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.
References: 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.
Some common mistakes made by people that conduct background checks can be
avoided.
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.
Additional Resources:
Nanny.Org
Parenthood.Com
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