Au Pairs and Nannies - Background and Reference Checks
Not all agencies pre-screen their au pairs and nannies. That is a frightening thought for parents looking for an au pair, nanny, governess or any caregiver.
If your agency doesn't do background checks or reference checks for their au pairs or nannies, don't fret. The solution is surprisingly simple. Take matters into your own hands and do the appropriate checks yourself. They are readily available to the public and are relatively inexpensive.
Most agencies will offer background checks or reference checks for their au pairs or nannies as an additional service, for an additional charge. These checks traditionally include criminal background checks, motor vehicles reports and reference checking.
What does a comprehensive background check consist of?Social Security Number (SSN) Trace – The first step in most background checks is a SSN Trace. It is a report that will supply you with all current and reported addresses for the individual for the last seven to ten years based on their SSN. This type of trace will give you the opportunity to cross reference the name and previous residence history that was provided in the resume or job application for possible inconsistencies. By looking at this report you can see which jurisdiction(s) should be searched for criminal records. Additionally, the SSN trace will uncover known aliases, which are other names the applicant may have gone by.
Statewide and County Level Criminal Checks – These checks do an excellent job of uncovering felony convictions, or convictions that resulted in incarceration in a state prison. The problem is that misdemeanors records are not generally recorded in state record repositories, and do not generally result in jail time. This makes them invisible to the searcher.
DMV Records – A prospect's driving records are an important part of a comprehensive background check. Even if your au pair or nanny will not be driving your children around, the DMV report is key. It can point to a substance abuse problem if the applicant has been convicted of DUIs. It can also tell you something about the candidate's judgment. Excessive speeding or multiple accidents speak of poor judgment.
Psychological Evaluation – Better agencies will either include this or offer you the ability to request a psychological evaluation for a fee. This is not an evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist. It is an exam much like those given by human resources departments. They can provide tremendous insight into a candidate's personality, strengths and weaknesses.
Credit Report – Much like the SSN Trace, the credit report is used to verify that the appropriate locations are being searched for criminal records. Additionally, the credit report will provide information about tax liens, judgments, bankruptcies, collection accounts, and other debts.
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