Starting March 19, 2024 when a sitter joins our site, we use their legal ID and a live selfie to verify their identity using Persona. From January 28, 2022 - March 19, 2024, sitters who registered on our site were verified via Berbix. Prior to January 28, 2022, sitters' identities were authenticated via Experian.
We also routinely screen through Family Watchdog (a source of registered sex offender information). It is important to keep in mind that sex offender searches are subject to limitations and may not reflect an individual’s entire sex offender history.
Background checks can also be processed on sitters at any point to ensure the most current information, which is why we do not require sitters to complete background checks during registration. To determine whether a sitter has recently completed a background check through Sittercity, look for a dated badge displayed on the sitter’s profile under the 'Trust & safety' section. We strongly recommend processing background checks on sitters prior to hiring them.
Because Sittercity is not an agency, we do not interview sitters, check references, nor verify reported certifications or credentials. We do, however, empower parents with the tools to make informed decisions. For more helpful tips on selecting the right sitter for your family, check out this resource.
Please be sure to use our Trust & Safety Center for additional important information regarding trust & safety on Sittercity.