I'm looking for a nanny agency that does background checks on the parents

[Anonymous]

It sounds like these agencies are in the (very lucrative) business of representing only the side that pays. Seems like an obvious conflict of interest in terms of finding the best match. Is that why they waste so much time sending out low level nannies who will take any job they can get?

I'm not sure where the conflict of interest is. The agencies are in the business of finding qualified nannies for families, who pay for that service. They are not in the business of creating mutually beneficial matches, necessarily, because they work for the parents. Sure, it's good for everyone when they *do* make mutually beneficial matches, but that isn't the goal of the agency. They find nannies for families. The nannies don't have the power in the equation. There are many nannies for every job, at a wide range of "acceptable" wages and benefits, and there is little to motivate agencies to consider their needs over the paying family. (I'm not endorsing this situation, btw.)

Of course, the equation changes if you are a relief nanny or a specialized night or baby nurse. In that case, the family needs the nanny more than she needs them and would be more likely to submit to background checks and the like.

As for creepy DBs, well, I don't know that a background check would help much there.

I think Nannydeb has good advice on including language in the contract that insures the family pays on time or faces penalties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have obviously never have been a live-in nanny. A nanny can be in the house in the evening and at night, while MB has a late business meeting or is out of town. And the dad is left home. If I were a MB, I'd never let that happen. Just make hubby come with you.

That's ridiculous. You either trust your husband or you don't. If you don't, get a divorce.

[Anonymous]

Oh yes, that's it, lady. Right.

[Anonymous]

How much is it to do a criminal background check?

[Anonymous]

Seriously I have thought about it. They act like they
are all perfect and have not troubles. I had to call the
Police in one instance. The other is that they forget to leave your pay whilse they tell you they are going to
take the kids to Barnes& N.

Goood!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much is it to do a criminal background check?

[Anonymous]

$29

[Anonymous]

Cultural Care

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cultural Care

I thought the AP agencies had to. Is it optional?