Reasons to Run a Nanny Federal Criminal Record Check

Although it may be unlikely that a nanny candidate will have a federal record, conducting a thorough background check can help you to be sure.

While most crimes are addressed in state courts, federal courts deal with crimes defined by or mentioned in the United States constitution. White collar crimes or those non-violent crimes that are financially motivated including fraud, piracy, tax evasion and embezzlement, as well as other crimes including robbery, kidnapping and pornographic exploitation of children are dealt with in the federal courts.

Federal courts hold felony and misdemeanor records. These records are typically accessible to the public. These records can be searched via the Federal Records Center and are searched by an individual’s full name only. Given that a search can’t be conducted using date of birth or social security number, there can be false matches, especially when nanny candidates have common names. Records can be searched in a single federal district or all district courts within a state or any number of states.

Parents may also wish to check a nanny’s FBI fingerprint record. By running the nanny’s fingerprints through the Department of Justice’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, most often through live scan technology, records from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigations can be searched.

For many parents, choosing and screening a nanny can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Parents want an experienced caregiver who will be a positive role model and influence on their children. Knowing that a nanny doesn’t have a criminal record can provide reassure and peace of mind.

With a federal criminal record check, parents can:

  1. Ensure that the information provided by the applicant is valid. If the applicant denies having a criminal record and research shows she does, it speaks to her integrity.
  2. Gather additional information about a candidate.  The more information you have on a caregiver the more informed your hiring decision will be.
  3. Ensure a nanny’s fingerprints are on file. If a fingerprint scan is completed and sent to the DOJ and FBI, a nanny’s prints will remain on file.
  4. Get peace of mind from knowing there is no record of criminal history. Parents never want to second guess their judgment on choosing a caregiver. Conducting a thorough background check can help to confirm that you’re hiring the right person.
  5. Avoid hiring a caregiver who poses a risk. Nannies with a criminal history are most often considered undesirable hires. Parents rarely will trust a nanny with a criminal history.
  6. Verify there are no reported crimes against children. Since federal courts deal with kidnapping and cases where children are victims, a federal search may reveal additional information about a candidate’s history.
  7. Avoid negligent hiring. Parents should gather as much information about a candidate so they truly know who they are considering hiring.
  8. Test a nanny’s comfort level regarding background screening. If a nanny objects to having a federal criminal records check, it should be a red flag to parents.
  9. Be assured they engaged is solid screening practices. Knowing you’ve utilized every avenue to gather information is important when making such a crucial hiring decision.
  10. Follow best practices. Most states require those working with children or other vulnerable populations have a federal criminal records check.

While it’s important to gather as much information as possible on a candidate, it’s also important to remember that criminal records only account for crimes the individual was caught committing. Criminal records checks should be used in conjunction with other screening tools, including interviewing and reference checking.

Parents should always pay attention to their gut feeling if they’re feeling like a candidate isn’t a right fit. While most applicants will be trustworthy and dependable, it is important to ensure that an applicant is not trying to take advantage your family or children.

For more information on background screenings please review our Guide to Nanny Background Checks.