Hiring a babysitter or nanny is a big decision, and including background checks in your hiring process can provide essential insights. However, it’s important to remember that background checks are just one piece of a complete screening process. They provide valuable information but work best in combination with interviews, reference checks, and your own instincts. Here’s what you need to know about background checks, including their benefits, limitations, and tips for using them as part of a well-rounded approach to finding the right caregiver for your family.
Background Checks
While background checks give insight into a caregiver's history, they shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Use them as a layer of protection alongside interviews and references. A background check might show a person’s criminal record (or lack of one), but it won’t provide insights into their personality, caregiving style, or communication skills. These elements are best assessed in person or through feedback from previous families.
Apps like SitterTree require all babysitters and nannies to complete background checks to access jobs on the app. A clear background check should be combined with carefully reviewing your sitter’s profile and ratings, verifying their experience, checking references, and more. Gathering as much information up front can help you make an informed decision - and lets your sitter know you are alert and aware of those you allow in your home.
What Background Checks Cover
If you’re considering additional background checks or simply want to understand what’s included, here are some standard components often covered by background check providers like Checkr:
- National Criminal Database Search: Checks a national database for criminal records across multiple jurisdictions.
- Sex Offender Registry Check: Searches a national database for registered sex offenders.
- County Criminal Search: Examines criminal records within specific counties which the candidate has lived. County-level searches provide more targeted, up to date data.
- Driving Record Check: For caregivers who will be driving your children, this report checks for prior violations on a sitter's driving record.
Remember, while background checks may provide helpful information, they should never be used alone to determine if someone is safe to care for your children. Rather, they should be used in combination with other screening measures.
What Background Checks Don’t Tell You
While background checks provide reassurance about criminal history, they don’t paint the whole picture of a sitter’s qualifications. For example, background checks won’t reveal a caregiver’s personality, temperament, or approach to child care. Nor will they speak to a sitter's professionalism. For instance, if the sitter is punctual, communicative, or respectful of your household rules. These qualities are best assessed through conversation, observing the sitter in action, and reading reviews from prior jobs.
For a thorough vetting process, consider each part of the screening as a “puzzle piece” that contributes to the bigger picture. A background check offers a look into a sitter's past, but reviews, interviews, and your own observations fill in the rest.
Limitations and Loopholes
While background checks are valuable, it’s essential to be aware of their limitations. For instance, around 40% of U.S. counties don’t have digital records, so the national criminal database may lag on receiving records from these areas. Additionally, certain state and local laws restrict the type of information shared in background checks. For example, offenses committed by minors are generally not disclosed, and some states limit the reporting of certain older infractions or minor offenses.
Many background checks only cover records for a limited period, often around seven years. So if you’re looking at a check and wondering about older records, keep in mind that time limitations might apply.
Lastly, many background checks do not include identity verification, which is essential to reducing fraud. Identity verification often requires uploading a picture of a government-issued ID and taking a live selfie to confirm someone is who they say they are.
Legal and Compliance Factors
Both federal and state laws govern background checks. For instance, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets federal standards for background checks, protecting the rights of the person being checked. Additionally, states may have specific restrictions on the type of information that can be shared, such as limiting the reporting of certain infractions after a set period.
Another point to keep in mind is that background checks require the sitter’s consent. If you’re considering running an additional background check beyond what’s provided by the app, make sure to get the sitter’s permission. Platforms like SitterTree conduct checks according to FCRA and state standards, so you can trust that the checks are conducted properly.
A Resource for Parents: Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
One of the most proactive steps you can take as a parent is to educate yourself on child safety. SitterTree recommends Sexual Abuse Prevention Training as a valuable resource. This training is designed to help parents understand, recognize, and prevent signs of abuse, equipping you with knowledge that can further protect your family. While background checks are essential, parental awareness and vigilance are equally powerful tools in creating a safe environment for your children.
What to Know About Background Checks
Background checks provide an essential layer of safety when finding the right caregiver, but they’re only part of the puzzle. Knowing what to know about background checks—from their types and limitations to additional training resources and compliance considerations—gives you a well-rounded approach to hiring with confidence. Trust your instincts, use multiple screening tools, and remember that a great sitter is one who brings both reliability and warmth to your family.
Looking for background-checked sitters?
On SitterTree, you can easily find trusted babysitters in your community. Use the link below to get $20 off your first sitter.