Families Hire Convicts as Domestic Help

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) January 18, 2006

Many domestic help agencies claim to have strict hiring guidelines. But do not assume these guidelines are up to high standards. Several 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 the homeowners lap.

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

To address this growing risk, the MaidCheck division of a nationally recognized investigative firm was created. This division specializes in background checks for domestic help, nannies, maids and housekeepers. A newly appointed Maid Check spokesperson says, "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."

A recent publication on the http://www.maidcheck.com website quotes another employee as saying "Security issues are even more complicated because people are opening their doors to strangers. 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 a home, they have already won 90% of the battle." The demand for these specialized companies underscores the need for a complete criminal records check and thorough reference checking.

The division manager for Maid Check says, "Our business is to assist individuals and staffing companies in hiring honest and trustworthy employees. In many cases, this is a simple addition to the normal hiring process. Individuals now 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."

About Maid Check – Maid Check provides investigative services for both commercial clients and individuals. The primary business model is to offer affordable and effective background check solutions specifically geared at people hiring domestic help, maids, nannies, and caregivers.

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