7 Tips for Doing a Criminal Background Check of Your Caregiver
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In some ways, a caregiver’s job is even more delicate than a babysitter’s job. Caregivers need to have medical and emergency response knowledge when providing care for a patient that has special needs. You’re entrusting this individual with a great deal of responsibility, and before you do that, a criminal background check might be in order.
- Inform The Caregiver of the Background Check
You might find yourself in hot water if you choose to run a background check without the consent of the individual. You should ask first and have the person sign a form that states that they consent to such check being run. The form should include all areas that will be explored during this check. Individuals who don’t consent to a background check might have something to hide – never take their word for it. Don’t work with someone who is uncomfortable with a background check.
- Perform Relevant Checks
If the caregiver’s job would put them in a position where they’re handling money or delicate assets, you might also want to perform a credit check on the individual. If they have a history of being reckless with money, you don’t want them to have any control over your loved one’s assets. Run these checks concurrent with the criminal background check.
- Know What is and Isn’t Off Limits
You may not be able to research all areas of caregivers background due to restrictions and limitations based on the availability of personal and confidential records to the public. Prying or attempting to obtain these off limits records through other means might be a crime. Never misrepresent your identity when conducting a background check and accept what’s given to you.
- Follow Local Laws
Every state, province, and territory has different laws regarding what information can be made available on background checks and how the person who obtained that information is allowed to use it. If you’re unsure of what you can legally do, check with a legal expert. If you live in Australia, get help from a lawyer in Australia. If you live in the United States, get advice from a lawyer located in the state you’re conducting a check in or the state where the caregiver’s record exists.
- Use Checks in Conjunction with References
Since some information may not be made available through a criminal background check, you’ll also need to vet a potential caregiver through their previous employers and educators. They can give you all the details and let you know if they’ve ever noticed any suspicious or borderline criminal behavior. Use this information in conjunction with the background check’s findings to make a thoroughly informed decision.
- Research the Agency Providing the Caregiver
It’s more likely than not that the caregiver already went through a top notch background and credentials check when they sought placement through the agency that represents them. This check may have been more thorough than your check. Talk to the agency about how they screen their caregivers. Research their history and reputation. If there haven’t been any reported problems with the caregivers they supply, chances are good that they have high standards.
- Speak with the Caregiver Following the Check
Even if the caregiver has a criminal record, this may not be a cause for worry. A minor marijuana charge from fifteen years ago may not have any impact on their ability to be an excellent caregiver. A disturbing the peace charge that resulted from a passionate form of activism doesn’t indicate that an individual is violent or a thief. Always speak to the caregiver about relevant findings before making a hiring decision.
While background checks help, you also need to follow your intuition. If your gut is telling you that you would be uncomfortable putting this person in charge of the care of a loved one, don’t do it. You need both the facts and your instincts on your side when making such an important decision.
Gust Writer Lucy Taylor is an avid blogger who enjoys sharing her tips and suggestions with her online readers. Working as a legal expert at LY Lawyers, Lucy often helps people dealing with legal problems, addictions and crime. You can contact Lucy at lucytayllor.lylawyers@gmail.com
