Help - Basic background check
Help - Background Check
We want you to be confident that people on Babysits are trustworthy.
One way we do that is by having members in the United States perform a background check.
If it says "checked" for a babysitter, it means this person has successfully completed a background check. This helps us keep Babysits secure, fight fraud, and more.
Is getting a background check safe?
A background check is processed safely and securely by our partner Sterling. Any personal information provided when having a background check, is only used for the purposes of checking the individual’s background as described in Sterling’s terms.
What does a background check cost?
Background checks are performed by our partner Sterling. You will be prompted to log in to Sterling to begin your background check. At the last step, you will be asked to pay $10.20 (non-refundable; + any additional State or County costs) to initiate the check.
What does it mean when a member is background checked?
Babysits members with a ‘background checked’ badge have successfully undergone a check of their criminal background. These members have provided personal information which is used by our partner, Sterling, to check criminal records and other databases. The badge also indicates how recently the background check was completed.
This background check involves the following:
SSN Trace
The SSN Trace compares the provided Social Security Number to credit header and public records data. The trace may locate possible alternative names or addresses associated with the SSN for the purpose of performing additional searches. The SSN Trace is not conducted through the Social Security Administration and should not be used as the basis for any employment decision or confirmation of identity.
DOJ Sex Offender | Alias Names
The DOJ Sex Offender search is a nationwide search through the Federal Department of Justice, which includes registry data covering 49 states excluding Nevada, which is prohibited by state law, and including the District of Columbia and US territories. Subject to availability and applicable reporting limitations. Alias names will be run for all names using the Sterling standard filter.
Extended Global Sanctions
A search for restriction, sanction, and exclusion records maintained by US and international legal and regulatory enforcement organizations. Subject to availability and applicable reporting restrictions.
Enhanced Nationwide Criminal Record Check | 7 years
The Multi-State Criminal Database is a compilation of criminal records from over 43 states. Sterling verified possible felony and misdemeanor convictions and pending cases within a minimum of the last 7 years against central court records to ensure the accuracy and completeness of potentially adverse information, subject to availability and applicable reporting limitations.
Completing this process isn't an endorsement of any babysitter, does not guarantee someone's identity, and is not an assurance that interacting with them will be safe. Always use your own best judgment, and follow our safety tips.
How to see the results of a background check?
Babysitters can view the results of their background check via the personal information section at their account page.
Parents wanting to review the results of a background check are advised to request a copy of the results directly from the babysitter.
What does it mean when a background check has expired?
Background checks are valid for 1 year. After this period, they will be marked as expired.
