For this reason, CareforKids.com.au strongly recommends you obtain a police clearance and reference checks for the carer you are considering. Police clearances screen for criminal offences for which a person has been caught so may be of restricted value, however, talking to a person's former employer will help you gain a clearer picture of the person you are considering hiring.

For further information please see our article Working with children check which outlines the various legal requirements and resources available to you in each state and territory.

The decision and responsibility of hiring any carer rests with you. Be sure you have the facts regarding previous employment, criminal records, driving records, immigration and visa status so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

If you are using an agency to source a carer ensure your chosen agency has completed the required background checks on its candidates. If you can't source this information online then call the agency to discuss their process for interviewing, vetting and reference checking their listed carers.

To check that the agency has completed the background checks simply make sure that when you are viewing the search results and carer profiles on-line that the appropriate icon is listed or that the screening and background check boxes have been ticked.

You can also ring the agency or child care provider to discuss their process for interviewing, vetting of carers and for the reference check details.