In New York State, a law that took effect in October 1998 allows parents and guardians of children to access New York State criminal history information regarding potential in-house caregivers being considered for employment. Kieran’s Law applies only to caregivers who will be providing childcare in the child’s home for 15 hours or more per week and allows parents (with voluntary consent of the prospective caregiver), to forward the nanny’s fingerprints to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Those who wish to conduct a nanny background check on a potential caregiver should always alert him or her first. Those who can provide help with a background check include the State of New York Office of Child and Family Services, New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Sex Offender Registry, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, New York courts, and private organizations.
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