The Power of Professional Background Checks
You CAN buy Peace of Mind with Professional Background Checks by a Private Investigator
Our children are our most precious priority. We do everything we can to keep them safe—but many parents assume that people are automatically safe, that organizations do the vetting for us, or that basic online checks are enough. When it comes to the adults we invite into our children’s lives, relying on hope or incomplete information is risky.
Whether it’s a teacher, nanny, coach, or someone dating a family member, taking extra steps to verify a person’s background is a critical part of prevention and protection.
Why Standard Background Checks Aren’t Enough
Many parents start with familiar online services that provide basic criminal and employment checks. While convenient, these database searches are often:
Incomplete – missing pending cases or unreported incidents
Outdated – failing to capture recent or ongoing concerns
Inaccurate – errors, misreported cases, or missing context
Character-blind – they don’t assess temperament, behavioral risks, or suitability around children
Even “enhanced” background checks through agencies or popular online platforms can miss key red flags. When it comes to protecting your child, “good enough” isn’t good enough.
Database Checks vs. Verified Background Checks
Here’s the difference:
Database searches rely solely on public records. They can miss key information and often do not verify details.
Verified background checks by a professional investigator dig deeper, confirm accuracy, and provide a complete, trustworthy picture.
Verification is the crucial step. Information is only useful if it is true, complete, and current. A professional approach ensures your decisions are based on facts—not assumptions.
Who Should You Screen?
Background checks aren’t just for employment. Any adult who is ever alone with your children or has intimate access to your family life should be screened. This includes:
Nannies, babysitters, tutors, and instructors
Coaches, martial arts teachers, or activity leaders
Boyfriends, partners, or anyone dating a family member
Anyone entering your home or personal life
Screening isn’t paranoia—it’s proactive protection.
Real-Life Example: Why Standard Checks Fail
Consider Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach.
Community perception: Sandusky was highly respected and trusted by parents, appearing as a mentor and charitable figure.
Hidden crimes: He sexually abused young boys over many years, avoiding suspicion because of his public persona.
A standard background check would not have flagged him:
Prior to conviction: No criminal convictions related to sexual abuse were on his record.
Civil complaints or warnings: Rumors and internal complaints existed but never became legal actions or public records.
Trusted public persona: His involvement in community work made him appear safe—a common tactic among predators.
This example shows why verification and professional investigation matter: criminal records alone do not tell the full story.
Wikipedia – Penn State Child Sex Abuse Scandal | Ethics Unwrapped – The Sandusky Scandal
Why Verification Matters
A thorough background check helps parents:
Avoid emotional, physical, or financial harm
Make informed decisions, not assumptions
Understand the complete picture of someone’s history, behavior, and suitability around children
Verification protects both your child’s safety and your peace of mind.
Protect What Matters Most
Screening adults isn’t overreacting—it’s responsible parenting. First, take the time to ask the right questions to determine how you feel about a person. Once you feel reasonably confident, take the next step: verify that they are truly trustworthy. Children’s safety is non-negotiable, and prevention is the most effective form of protection.
Practical Steps for Moms
Ask hard questions – Don’t shy away from difficult topics. Ask about prior experience, conflict resolution, discipline style, and situations where they’ve had to handle responsibility or challenges with children. Follow up on references.
Verify trustworthiness – Look beyond surface checks. Confirm criminal, financial, and employment history, and consider character and behavioral indicators. Verified information gives you confidence, not just assumptions. [Schedule a Fear-to-Focus Consult to start the process for thorough background check(s).]
Trust your instincts – If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Instincts are an important part of assessing risk, especially when paired with verified facts. Do you doubt your own intuition? [Get our 7 Days to Sanity Workbook here.]
Seek support from other parents – Talk to likeminded moms who prioritize safety and prevention. [Join us in The Mama Bear Community - a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from other proactive parents]
Every parent has the right—and the responsibility—to ensure the people in their child’s life are truly trustworthy. Prevention today protects against regret and trauma tomorrow.
Join the Conversation
What prevents you from investing in a professional background check for those you leave alone with your child?
