Maids & Nannies - The Secrets of Their Criminal Past   

by Dexter Marley

Maids and nannies are common in today's busy household. But use caution because you could be inviting a criminal into your home. Personal security in the streets can be achieved by using specialized training or personal defense products. But if someone with bad intentions is invited into your home, they have already won 90% of the battle. This underscores the need for a complete criminal records check and thorough reference checking.

Many domestic help agencies claim to have strict hiring guidelines. But do not assume these guidelines are up to your own standards. Several maid and nanny companies that were investigated relied only on a questionnaire to determine the employee's worthiness. It is becoming obvious that the responsibility to guarantee criminal cleanliness of a nanny or housekeeper falls in your own lap.

Many people look to the help wanted publications in hopes of directly hiring a nanny or maid. While this may give you more flexibility and cost savings, you may be literally opening your doors to a convicted criminal, child molester or illegal immigrant. Most will not be bonded or have any type of job related insurance. Keep in mind that there is no "Certified Maid" designation, so a thorough background check is mandatory. References, citizenship, criminal background and experience must all be investigated.

One company that was interviewed, MaidCheck.com, confirmed that there is no question for the need of accurate and complete background investigations on the people we entrust to perform these types of services in our home. The safety of our families and children should be our greatest priority. It is important to follow up with references even after you have completed a criminal background check.

Looking for an investigative company to assist in a background check specifically for domestic help may be hard to find. There are a few companies such as MaidCheck.com or StaffPatrol.com that market directly to individuals and maid staffing companies. So whether you are a business or an individual, you do have a way to verify the credentials and weigh the potential risks of the employee. In either scenario, it is a big risk unless you have done your homework.

It is unfortunate that a pleasant personality and clean appearance can hide a criminal background. It boils down to using common sense. Remember that we are talking about the security of your family, your home and your own protection. Once you are comfortable with a person's background and have evaluated their skills, your chances of trouble are greatly reduced.

About the Author

Dexter Marley is a contributing member of several publications that investigate security products and services. You are welcome to use this article in any way, but the entire article must be included and cannot be altered in any way. The two sites referenced in this article were operating at the time of publication and their sites are www.maidcheck.com and www.staffpatrol.com

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