How do I get background check for potential babysitters?

Question

I'm looking for a babysitter for my kiddos and want to know how I can go about getting background info on individuals that live in my area that want to watch my children. I'm getting references from them but want to know how I can find out more about them and not spend a ton of money doing so. What other questions should I ask them during an interview? I've always just gone through day cares but they are too expensive so I decided to find an individual to watch my toddler and new born.

Answer 1

If you live in the UK i know you can arrange for CRB checks (Criminal Records Bureau) but only if you hire your nanny / babysitter through an agency. You cannot obtain a check unfortunately if you are a parent doing a personal advert. Just so you know, technically all people who work with kids should have had this check to make sure there are no criminal records showing for them.

Here are some things you might want to ask in an interview:

Describe your babysitting and childcare experience. What are the ages of children you have cared for?

Do you still babysit for any of your prior clients?  

Do you have any children of your own? If so, how old are they?  

Do you have any special training or certification? Are you trained in first aid or infant/child CPR?

What do you like most about babysitting and being with children? What do you like least?

Which ages are you most comfortable with? Least comfortable?

What is your approach to discipline?

How would you handle an emergency situation?

What is the most difficult situation you have encountered while babysitting? How did you handle it?

What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with children?

What are your personal and career goals? How long do you intend to continue babysitting?

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or other jobs?

How much do you charge and what hours are you available?

After your interview with any prospective babysitter, you'll probably want to arrange for him or her to meet and interact with your children. This will help you see how he or she relates to them and how the children react to the sitter. Some parents like to try out a new babysitter by having the person babysita few times while they are home, in order to help a new sitter get acclimated to the family and the rules of the house.

When you have chosen, be sure to check on how things are going over time. You could always discuss with your children how they feel about the babysitter, and check in frequently with the sitter in order to address any questions or difficulties.

hope this helps? Good Luck!

Answer 2

http://www.v1g.org has 200 million records based on background searches. you can find out anything about a potential babysitter, or nanny here, and its really cheap. God forbid you find anything about this person, you will still be able to access the records of someone else at any time.