Background Screening & Caregivers

Background Screening & Caregivers

Caregivers are responsible for working with some of the most at-risk populations, the young and the elderly, and it is incumbent on those individuals hiring caregivers to enure at-risk populations remain protected while being managed by a caregiver. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com opines: “A thorough background check on a caregiver is a best practice in protecting those being cared for. Not only can a background check verify application information, it could also give pause to any malfeasant characters with certain criminal history. A thorough background check can be a useful tool in risk mitigation.”

Finding a caregiver can be a significant challenge. Often a caregiver might be utilized in a limited capacity, such as a babysitter. Parents may be new to a neighborhood and not know any of the older kids that may be willing to sit and, subsequently, look to a service to provide baby-sitting. Parents should ensure these services conduct thorough background checks.

But when the time calls for longer term babysitting arrangements parents may want to conduct the background check on those individuals they wish to hire. Nannies and long-term babysitters should be thoroughly vetted through interview and background check.

From the Pocono Record (Aug 04, 19):

Experts suggest asking your potential sitter for three references. Ask the references whether the sitter was responsible, how they followed directions, why they no longer work for them and if they would ever consider hiring them again. “You cannot underestimate the power of parental intuition. If a potential sitter made a reference uncomfortable or makes you second guess your choices, beware. A parent should always trust his or her gut when it feels like something is off,” .... (1)

Elder care can be more complicated, especially when one must consider the level of care. However, at any level of in-home caregiving individuals providing care must be thoroughly background checked.

Almeida adds: “For any type of caregiver a best practice remains to have those individuals being held responsible for the care of at-risk populations, our kids, our elders, must be background checked.”

When the level of care is relatively low an in-home caregiver might be hired directly and not through a service. But the best practice remains.

A caregiver background check could include a variety of reports and services, such as:

• Sex Offender Registry
• DMV Records (if the caregiver would be driving those cared for)
• Criminal History Reports via County Courthouse
• Reference checks, specifically to verify certifications and education

Almeida concludes: “Ultimately a best practice for caregivers working with our youth and our elders should be a thorough vetting process, one that includes: a thorough interview, reference checks and verifications, and a criminal background check.”

CriminalBackgroundRecords.com is a third-party background screening company, and active member of SHRM, that can provide compliant solutions for all screening requirements. From pre-employment to post-hire screening, as well as volunteer, caregiver and nanny checks, CriminalBackgroundRecords.com provides background screening services across a broad array of industries. From the smallest organization to the largest corporation, CriminalBackgroundRecords.com can fulfill every background screening requirement.

Notes:

1. poconorecord.com/entertainmentlife/20190804/expert-tips-on-how-to-find-safe-caregiver-for-your-child

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