Please help - tell me how to get a background check done on a new sitter

[oatmeal]

I am thinking of hiring a girl I got off and interent service... Kind of has a couple of references but nothing from a longterm job with kids. I sent an email to the PI who normally helps me with this stuff and this is what I got back:

"Hi there,

Unfortunately I am presently buried, in cases for three law firms (not complaining) and will be unable to assist you. I would strongly suggest that you conduct the background checks for a sitter as there have been an alarming number of cases involving sitters which have abducted and abused children...."


So there you go! But I don't know how to do it without him and without spending mroe than $100 from any random PI from the phone book.

Any insights? I have gotten nice feedback on her from two sources but like I said - nothing from anyone she was with for more the 3 months... I asked her all the Gavin De Becker questions... she did fine...

Anyone know anyone who can help me with this? Thanks and if you prefer to PM me any real info please feel free.

[happy_mama35]

I'm not sure my method is the best, but I phone interview someone, and meet them in person and check references. I live in NYS and the state has set up a sex offenders Web site so I check that just to make sure. I'm fortunate that I work from home and I'm here when the sitter interacts with the baby. No one has taken DD out on a walk -- haven't had that many sitters and that much confidence in sitter.

What are the Gavin De Becker questions?

[idaismyname]

I think you need her permission

I think and I could be wrong that you and she need to go to the police station and tell them that you would like a background check done and explain why.
I think she has to sign a form giving permission.
That should do it.
Good luck.
I would suggest a trial run with her.
Ask her to come over for a couple hours while your at the house.
You can get some house work done and you and your kids can get a feel of what she is like
good luck

[grumo]

When I do these as an employer, I just check in the phone book under employment screening.
The person has to sign a release.

You can usually do a single state for less than $40. As an employer, we do not put much stock in background checks. We do them purely for the liability protection. If we were to hire someone who HAD a record of XYZ and we didn't bother to find that out before we hired them, we could be liabale for later actions. The problem with background checks is many people move around quite a bit and you can't check mulitple states economically. I am not suggesting you don't do one, just don't take complete comfort in a clear record.