For parents · Child care
What is a vulnerable sector check, and how do I ask my nanny or babysitter for one?
A vulnerable sector check is a police check for people in positions of trust or authority over children or vulnerable people. It adds a search for pardoned sexual offence records to a standard police check. For a nanny or regular babysitter, ask for one in writing, explain the role, and let them apply through their local police service.
In 60 seconds
- A vulnerable sector check is a police information check plus a search for record suspensions (pardons) for sexual offences.
- It is governed by section 6.3 of the federal Criminal Records Act and was created in 2000 to protect children and vulnerable persons.
- A check is allowed only when the position involves trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons, and the applicant must consent in writing.
- Outside British Columbia the check is done by the local police service where the applicant lives; in British Columbia it goes through the provincial Criminal Records Review Program.
- Anyone who receives the results may use them only to assess the application for that position.
- A clear check is one screening step, and it works best alongside an interview, references and a trial.
What is a vulnerable sector check?
A vulnerable sector check is a police information check plus a check of whether the person has a record suspension, formerly called a pardon, for certain sexual offences. According to the RCMP, it was created in 2000 to protect children and vulnerable persons and is governed by section 6.3(3) of the Criminal Records Act.
Under the Act, a record suspension for listed sexual offences is flagged in the national criminal records system. A vulnerable sector check is the only kind of check that looks for that flag, which is why it differs from a basic criminal record check. For vulnerable sector checks, the RCMP defines children as anyone under the age of 18.
Who can ask for a vulnerable sector check on a babysitter or nanny?
The Criminal Records Act allows the check at the request of a person or organization responsible for the well-being of a child, when someone applies for a paid or volunteer position of trust or authority over that child. The applicant must consent in writing. A parent choosing a regular caregiver is in that position.
The RCMP says it is the nature of the position, not the person, that must involve trust or authority over children. A police service that decides a role does not meet the legal test cannot conduct the check. Occasional, informal babysitting may be handled differently by different police services, so ask your local service what it needs.
How does a babysitter or nanny get a vulnerable sector check?
Outside British Columbia, the caregiver applies through the local police service where they live. In British Columbia, checks go through the provincial Criminal Records Review Program. The police service needs a description of the position, who it is for and details about the children, and may require fingerprints to confirm identity.
The RCMP notes that the person being checked gives consent but does not make the request; the person or organization responsible for the children does. In practice, that usually means you give the caregiver a short written description of the role to bring to the police service. Because processes differ between police services, ask the caregiver to check what their local service needs before you both assume anything.
- Describe the role in writing: care of your children, ages, hours and whether it is in your home
- Give your name as the person responsible for the children in the role
- Let the caregiver check their local police service’s process and forms, since they vary
- Allow extra time in case fingerprints are required
- Agree who covers any fee before they apply
What does a vulnerable sector check show?
A vulnerable sector check reports what the police service is permitted to release from national RCMP databases and local police records where the applicant lives. That can include criminal convictions and, if flagged, a pardoned sexual offence record. What appears depends on the type of application and federal and police policies.
A clear result means no releasable record was found at the time of the check. It does not mean the person has never caused harm, and it tells you nothing about skill, judgment or reliability. That is why the check belongs alongside an interview, reference calls and a paid trial, not in place of them.
How should I handle a caregiver’s vulnerable sector check results?
Treat the results as confidential and use them only for deciding on that role. The Criminal Records Act says a person who receives the information may use or share it only to assess the application. Look at the original document, note the date, and do not copy or pass it around.
If a record appears, talk with the caregiver before deciding. How recent and relevant it is to caring for children matters, and the person may have context that helps you decide. Take time rather than deciding on the spot. Personal privacy and human rights protections apply in different ways across provinces; check with your provincial human rights commission or a lawyer if you are unsure how to proceed.
How often should a nanny renew a vulnerable sector check?
There is no single federal rule. The RCMP says the person or organization responsible for the children decides how often a vulnerable sector check must be repeated, and no federal law requires any organization to do these checks. Many families ask for a fresh check at the start of a new arrangement and periodically after that.
Licensed child care settings may have their own provincial rules on checks, and those rules differ. For care in your own home, it is your decision; agree on how often in your written care agreement.
How does Maple Care treat vulnerable sector checks?
Independent care professionals on Maple Care can upload a vulnerable sector check, and each certification our team checks earns a badge on their profile. A badge is a screening signal, not a background check, and it may not be current for your situation. Ask for a current check yourself before care starts.
Maple Care does not conduct police checks and does not supervise anyone’s work. Our team reviews every account after sign-up. You interview, check references and agree on terms directly with the professional.
Free to post. Your contact details stay private.
Frequently asked questions
Is a vulnerable sector check the same as a criminal record check?
No. A criminal record check looks at criminal conviction information. A vulnerable sector check goes further: it also searches for record suspensions, or pardons, for listed sexual offences. It is only available for positions of trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons.
Can I run a vulnerable sector check on my nanny myself?
No. Only a police service, or in British Columbia the Criminal Records Review Program, can conduct one, and only with the caregiver’s written consent. Your role is to request it, describe the position and review the results. Checking someone without their consent is not allowed under the Criminal Records Act.
Does a teenage babysitter need a vulnerable sector check?
There is no federal rule requiring one, and some teens will not have one. For a young sitter, many parents rely on a babysitting course, references from other families, and a short trial while the parent is nearby. Ask your local police service whether it will process a check for occasional babysitting.
Who pays for a vulnerable sector check?
It varies by police service, so ask the local service what, if anything, it charges. Families and caregivers decide between themselves who pays. Settle it before the caregiver applies and note it in your written care agreement so there is no surprise later.
Can I accept a vulnerable sector check done for another position?
The RCMP explains that checks are conducted for individual positions, so a check obtained for another role may not strictly cover yours. Many families still look at a recent one as useful information. Ask your local police service what applies, and consider requesting a new check for regular care.
What if a caregiver refuses to get a vulnerable sector check?
Ask why. Some people are worried about the time, cost or privacy, and a clear explanation of the role can help. For regular care of your children, it is reasonable to make a current check a condition of the arrangement. If someone will not agree, you can choose a different caregiver.
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