Background Checks

A required step in our vetting process.

Every sitter on Find Christian Sitters goes through a multi-step vetting process before their profile is published: church or community volunteer verification, personal references, a safety quiz, and a background screening. We believe families deserve more than good intentions. They deserve verified trust.

How Screening Works

Sitters are screened through a nationally recognized third-party screening provider. We review each result before approving a sitter's profile. Screening is one part of our vetting process and works alongside personal references and, for sitters who complete it, church or community verification.

Why Background Checks Matter

Shared faith is a powerful foundation — but it is not a substitute for verified safety. A background check gives parents an additional, objective layer of assurance that the person caring for their children has no disqualifying history. It also signals to sitters that everyone on this platform has been held to the same standard, creating a community built on mutual accountability.

What's Included in the Check

A screening typically includes identity verification, a national criminal records search, and a sex offender registry search. The exact scope depends on the screening package in use.

  • Identity Verification — confirms the sitter is who they say they are using SSN trace and address history
  • National Criminal Search — searches criminal records across all 50 states
  • Sex Offender Registry Search — checks against national and state sex offender databases
  • County Criminal Search — searches county-level court records for any additional history

The Process — Step by Step

1

Apply to Become a Sitter

Complete the multi-step sitter application on our Become a Sitter page, including your basic info, availability, church affiliation, and references.

2

Pay the One-Time Fee

During the final step of your application, you'll be prompted to pay the one-time background check fee of $75, processed securely through our payment partner.

3

Screening Is Completed

You'll receive an email from our screening provider asking you to authorize the check and confirm your information. Most results come back within a few business days, and we'll let you know when yours is complete.

4

Our Team Reviews Your Application

Once your screening is complete, our team reviews your full application — including personal references and any church or community verification you've provided — before approving your profile.

5

Your Profile Goes Live

Once approved, your verified sitter profile is published and families in your area can begin connecting with you.

Cost

The one-time background check fee is $75, paid by the sitter during the application process. This fee is non-refundable. It covers the cost of the screening.

A Note for Parents

Sitters are approved only after completing our vetting process, which includes a background screening. A verified badge on a sitter's profile means they've completed that process. A background screening reflects the records available at the time it was run. It is not a guarantee of future conduct, and it doesn't replace your own judgment. We encourage every family to hold a meet-and-greet before a first booking. Visit our Safety Tips page for more.

Questions?

If you have questions about the background screening process, please reach out through our Contact Us page.