Background checks can be an incredibly useful tool for agencies and parents, but the FBI database, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is not a public record and cannot be legally accessed by anyone other than criminal justice agencies. In addition, agencies do not order any type of criminal records search until after an offer of employment has been extended and accepted by the candidate. Background checks for nannies are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), so it is important that families get signed authorization before moving forward with screening. These checks can (and should) include a Social Security Number Trace, state-wide criminal checks, county-level criminal checks, DMV records, sex offender registries, and credit reports.
