I know, I know – you’re hoping that the second you post your “Nanny Wanted” ad, the perfect candidate will come sweeping into your living room like a modern-day Mary Poppins. I hate to break it to you, but finding a nanny is a lot more complicated these days, when even the nicest-looking of candidates could be hiding a past history of serious criminal convictions.

It’s clear that you need to do something, but how can you weed out the bad apples from the bunch in order to protect your children? Why, with a nanny background check, of course! Here’s how to use a nanny background check to help keep your kids safe:

o Double check basic facts – A good public records search database will allow you to look up things like names (including maiden or other prior names), current addresses and telephone numbers. When you search for a potential nanny’s name, see if the records that come up match what he or she put on the application. Differences between the two might not be serious (for example, the nanny may have recently moved or canceled a land line phone), but they should still be looked into.

o Learn more about the candidate – For example, a nanny candidate who’s moved several times in the last few years may be someone who has a hard time finding and keeping fulfilling work. Or, a record of several past divorces may indicate someone who won’t be a stable role model for your children. Of course, you can’t judge a person’s complete character by his or her public records, but they can provide some interesting insights that won’t come out in the interview, when both of you are on your best behavior.

o Discover criminal records – Of course, the most obvious reason to use a nanny background check is to uncover past criminal convictions. Don’t automatically disqualify a nanny based on what you find – a single petty crime years in the past isn’t unheard of, and as long as the candidate fesses up to the incident and offers a good explanation, it may be nothing to worry about. However, any serious crimes – especially those relating to children – should be deal-breakers in your search for the perfect nanny.

By: Jennifer Dixon

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