When it comes to keeping our children safe, there is no room for mistakes.

TRVST Investigations will provide indepth background investigations comprised of the following:

1. Social Security Number Verification – The user’s Social Security Number will be verified to ensure that it is a valid Social Security Number and that the person is a legal citizen of the United States.

2. Address Verification – The user’s address will be verified to ensure that it is associated with the user.

3. Criminal Record Verification – A search of criminal records will be conducted to see if the user has a criminal record. The records that are searched include:

a. State and county criminal record repositories

b. State sex offender registries

c. Prison, parole and release files from state Department of Corrections, Administrative Office of Courts, and other state agencies

d. Proprietary LexisNexis criminal record information.

The specific records which are searched vary by state and county. For example, sex offender registries are not available in the states of Vermont and Washington. Accordingly, such offenses committed in these states would not be found by this search. Please refer to this table to understand exactly what records are searched.

Even when parents have chosen a babysitter, nanny, or caregiver wisely, child safety is not guaranteed. Parents need to remain alert, since changes in the nanny’s personal life may affect the caregiver’s behavior after the caregivers are hired. A nanny may not have a record of reckless driving or criminal behavior, but can develop serious problems at any time. Staying alert for signs of trouble include watching for the following signs:

• Sudden lack of communication. Good caregivers spend time talking with parents and with children. This helps keep lines of communication open and helps put everyone at ease. If a nanny suddenly becomes withdrawn, there may be a personal problem or issue that needs to be resolved.

• Changes in appearance, weight, or personal hygiene habits. Again, this can be a sign of a worry or problem. It can also signal a problem that can affect the caregiver’s ability to do their job. Parents should ask whether everything is alright and make an offer of help.

• A new group of friends that seem to be a bad influence. Not every parent knows who their nanny or caregiver socializes with. However, if a parent suddenly notices their caregiver spending time with questionable persons, that may be a sign of trouble.

• Sudden changes in behavior.

• Sudden changes in children’s behavior. If children suddenly have an issue with the caregiver or seem to be having more accidents than normal, resulting in bruises, it is time for parents to get involved.

• Others report signs of problems. Parents may be among the last to know that a caregiver is in trouble. All reports of potential problems must be taken seriously.

Any parent who notices signs of trouble after hiring a nanny should contact a qualified private investigator for help. An experienced private investigator can run a discreet and completely legal investigation to ensure that the children are safe and well cared for.

Are Nanny Cams The Answer?

Many parents worry even when there are no warning signs of trouble. After all, in some cases there are no signs of problems until disaster strikes. Some people are simply very good at hiding neglect, criminal behavior, or personal problems. As a result, some parents consider nanny cams as a possible solution. These hidden cameras monitor nannies and caregivers occasionally or around the clock, giving parents a “sneak peek” at what goes on when the caregiver is left alone with children.

Nanny cams can uncover and stop child abuse and neglect. They can also be an inexpensive way to get some peace of mind. However, these types of spy cameras can cause a number of legal hassles. In many cases, videotaping someone without their consent can lead to lawsuits. In California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington it is illegal to tape someone without their consent. At the very least, videotaping a caregiver without getting their consent can lead to friction and to a termination of employment – not what most parents want when they find a qualified caregiver.

The solution is to ask for permission before installing a nanny cam. Parents who think there may be something amiss need to take additional steps – it is unlikely that caregivers will allow themselves to be caught on tape neglecting or abusing their charges. A better solution is a private investigator, who can set up a surveillance system in the home and legally gather evidence that will stand up in court. A qualified investigator will provide more thorough information than a nanny cam and will do a better job of protecting children from potential abuse and neglect.

Florida private investigator / detective disclaimer: