Parents are always encouraged to perform background checks on nanny applicants before hiring. Unfortunately, many parents aren’t aware of the many different types of background checks that can and should be run. Before contracting with a background check service to handle this item for you, be sure to verify what items will be included in the reports they are providing. Below is a list of ten different types of background checks that you may choose to include.
- National Criminal – Unfortunately, there is not a single criminal background check that will cover all criminal records in the United States. The national level criminal history would check for records of federal convictions only.
- Regional Criminal – If you know that the candidate lived in more than one state in a particular region of the country, such as the Northeast or Southwest, you may want to run a regional criminal check that covers all the states in that area of the country.
- State Criminal – A state by state check can also be run for criminal history in a particular state or states that may not all be in the same regional area.
- County Criminal – One would think that a criminal record check of a state would uncover all criminal convictions within the state, but that is not true. Some convictions are processed only on a county level and must be searched for on that level as well.
- Sexual Offender Registry – Each state has a registry of known sex offenders. This search should definitely be included on your list of background checks and should preferably cover all 50 states.
- Child Abuse and Neglect Registry – Each state also maintains a registry of child abuse and neglect charges that have been filed against persons in that state and the results of those charges. Another search that no parent would want overlooked.
- Driving History – This check will generally cover the period of 3-5 years prior to the current date. This will show any traffic violations, as well as verify the current validity of the drivers license that your nanny has provided.
- Alias Search – If your nanny candidate has used other names, which you were not aware of, this search can provide you with that information and be helpful in assuring that your other searches have been thorough as well.
- Social Security Number – This search is very easy to do and will simply confirm that the social security number provided matches with the identity of the person providing it.
- Credit History – Checking the credit history of a nanny candidate can reveal such things as judgments or liens filed against them or bankruptcy filings. This information may be pertinent if it relates to financial responsibilities or access that would be given to the person serving in the role of nanny for your household.
Thorough checks of an applicant’s background will leave you with a much greater peace of mind.
