In today’s fast-paced life, parents often find themselves juggling an array of responsibilities, and the support of an au pair can be a tremendous relief. These dedicated childcarers assist with day-to-day tasks, from meal preparation to chauffeuring kids to extracurricular activities and helping with homework. They become part of the family, sometimes even joining you on vacation or weekend breakaways! However, this open-heartedness shouldn’t compromise the safety of your children. The role of au pair is a big responsibility and, as a parent, you want to entrust your children to a capable and trustworthy person.
Many of you might wonder if it’s okay to do a background check on the person you are hiring to take care of your kids. Let’s answer your question: it’s not only acceptable but also a necessity. Here’s why:
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You need to verify their criminal records.
You have the right to know the kind of person caring for your children. Conducting a criminal record check ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of their past behaviour, offering peace of mind and safeguarding your family from potential risks. Doing a criminal record check is not an invasion of privacy but rather a proactive measure to create a secure environment for your children. At HURU, we offer an affordable, accessible way to verify criminal records and identities.
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You need to check their driving record.
If you’ll be paying someone to drive your kids around, checking their driving record is non-negotiable. A driving record can be a window into the au pair’s sense of responsibility and attention, so be sure to ask questions about their driving experience. You should also request to see their valid driver’s licence and make a copy (or take a picture) for your records.
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You need to validate their childcare experience.
You have to entrust your children to someone with proven childcare experience. Background checks allow you to verify the accuracy of an au pair’s claims regarding their past roles, especially if your child has special or unusual needs. Contact previous employers and check references for insights into the au pair’s style, capability, and ability to handle various situations.
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You need to build trust.
The process of conducting background checks isn’t just about uncovering potential risks; it’s about building trust through transparency. Families and au pairs alike should view background checks as a collaborative effort to ensure the well-being of the children involved. A prospective au pair with nothing to hide should welcome the enquiry, recognising it as an opportunity to showcase their commitment to child safety and professionalism. Remember that you’d need the au pair’s written consent and ID number before any legal details can be checked.
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You need HURU.
Let HURU be your partner in hiring an au pair. HURU is a criminal record check service that makes access to criminal records easy. Our verification system uses various data points and biometric technology, providing reliable and correct results you can trust. Using advanced technology such as the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), HURU delivers fast and precise results. Fingerprint capture through HURU is a simple and streamlined process that au pairs can complete in just a few easy steps. With HURU’s services, parents can take control of background information and ensure accurate and up-to-date information about au pairs’ criminal records.
Knowing that their chosen au pair has undergone a thorough background check provides immeasurable peace of mind for parents. It goes beyond a mere checkmark on a to-do list; it signifies a commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of their children. This peace of mind allows parents to focus on their work and daily responsibilities, conscious that their children are in a trustworthy caregiver’s capable and secure hands. Contact us today to do a criminal record check on your au pair and take the first step in ensuring your child’s well-being and safety.
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