Trustline Basics

Basics

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What is Trustline?
What does TrustLine check?
How does TrustLine work?
Why is TrustLine needed?
Is TrustLine effective?
Who is required to use TrustLine?
What makes TrustLine different from other background checks?

 


What is Trustline?

TLPhotoBasicsTrustLine is California’s registry of in-home child care providers, tutors, in-home counselors, and child care staff at Ancillary Child Care Centers who have passed a background screening. It was created by the California Legislature in 1987 and is a powerful resource for parents hiring a nanny or baby-sitter. All caregivers listed with TrustLine have been cleared through a fingerprint check of records at the California Department of Justice. This means they have no disqualifying criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California. TrustLine is administered by the California Department of Social Services and the non-profit California Child Care Resource and Referral Network. It is endorsed by the California Academy of Pediatrics.

 

What does TrustLine check?

TrustLine is an effective tool for parents to check the backgrounds of a baby-sitter, nanny, tutors and in-home counselors to determine if an applicant has criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California. TrustLine is the only background check authorized by state law to use three databases that the general public, including private investigators and private background check companies, cannot access. These databases include the fingerprint records from the California Department of Justice’s California Criminal History System; the Child Abuse Central Index of California; and fingerprint records of the FBI Criminal History System.

 

How does TrustLine work?

TrustLine is easy to use for parents and providers. Applicants complete a one-page form, which requires submitting fingerprints and a one-time fee of approximately $124.00, to the Department of Social Services. If applicants pass the background check they are listed on the TrustLine database. Parents just call 1-800-822-8490 to check on the status of an applicant or receive information on how to apply. Please click on Providers: How to Register/Applications and Fees for more information.

 

Why is TrustLine needed?

TrustLine is an important tool for parents choosing a nanny or baby-sitter. Thousands of applicants who have applied to be on the TrustLine registry have been disqualified because of past criminal activity. Parents can call 1-800-822-8490 to check if a provider is listed on TrustLine or to receive more information.

 

Is TrustLine effective?

TrustLine is an effective tool for parents to check the background of a baby-sitter or nanny. Thousands of applicants who apply to be on the TrustLine registry are disqualified because of criminal activity in their past. TrustLine has denied applicants with convictions such as murder, manslaughter, willful child cruelty, and kidnapping. But TrustLine is just one important tool to help you choose the best in-home caregiver for your child. Our TrustLine Tips provide additional suggestions for choosing a nanny or baby-sitter.

 

Who is required to use TrustLine?

All employment agencies (nanny and baby-sitter placement agencies) are required by law to register their caregivers with TrustLine upon placement. Transport Escort Services also are required by law to register the individual(s) transporting or accompanying the minor with TrustLine. Transport Escort Services transport minors across state lines to residential facilities with permission from the minor’s parents or legal guardian. Businesses providing Ancillary Child Care Centers to customers or clients while the customers or clients shop or obtain services (i.e. health clubs and gyms) must register on TrustLine those staff members who are 18 years of age or older that work in the child care center. Child care providers who are not required to be licensed in California (baby-sitters, nannies, etc.) and who are providing child care to parents receiving a governmental child care subsidy are required by law to register with TrustLine.

 

What makes TrustLine different from other background checks?
TrustLine is unique. It is the only background check authorized by state law to use three databases that the general public, including private investigators and private background check companies, cannot access. These databases include fingerprint records from the California Department of Justice Criminal History System; the Child Abuse Central Index of California; and fingerprint records of the FBI Criminal History System.