Things a Federal Civil Record Check Can Reveal

Federal civil record checks are conducted at the state level in the federal courts. United States district courts, bankruptcy courts and appellate courts should be included in federal civil records checks.

Depending on your nanny candidate’s residential history you may choose to search federal civil records in one state or on several.

When conducting a federal civil records search the search is conducted by the individual’s name. For that reason parents should ensure that the name provided by the candidate matches the photo identification provided and is spelled correctly on the search authorization form.

Since the main identifier in federal civil records is the individual’s name, civil records may be found of individuals who have the same name as the candidate you are screening, especially if she has a common name.

While some of the information gathered from a federal civil record report can be helpful in making an educated hiring decision, some of the information is geared towards those involved with businesses and may not apply. That said, however, it’s a good idea to run the check as your nanny could have a past life you’d want to uncover.

When conducting a federal civil records search parent will learn if a nanny has any:

  1. Breaches of contract. It’s important that a nanny can be trusted to keep her word. Knowing if she has a pattern on breaking promises is important.
  2. Anti-trust activity. Unless your nanny is involved or has been with a business venture, you’re not likely to find claims she has violated anti-trust policies.
  3. Cases of discrimination. You may wish to know if your nanny has filed any claims regarding discrimination of age or other protected class or has been involved with discriminatory practices.
  4. Cases involving sexual harassment. Parents may wish to know if a nanny has been engaged in any sexual harassment suites.
  5. Interstate commerce. Unless your nanny is involved with interstate commerce or has been, you’re likely not to find records on file.
  6. Cases regarding civil rights. You may wish to know if your nanny has had her civil rights violated or has violated the rights of another.
  7. Land. Knowing if your nanny owns land locally may help to confirm her claims she plans on sticking around the area for some time.
  8. Outstanding debts in collection or bankruptcy. Since your nanny will be trusted with your home and possessions and may have access to your credit cards or accounts, you’ll want to know if she’s fiscally responsible.
  9. Federal weapons statues. For parents who are anti-firearms, they’ll especially wish to know if their nanny has been involved with any civil cases regarding weapons.
  10. Violation of federal codes. Every parent wants a law abiding nanny. Knowing that there is no record of their nanny violating federal code can provide peace of mind.

When screening a nanny, the more information you learn about the candidate the better informed our hiring decision will be.

For more information on background screenings please review our Guide to Nanny Background Checks.