Some families choose to hire a nanny, an au pair, or other caregiver to come to their home to care for a child or children. This is a wonderful option in many cases, but this type of care is not regulated and requires special considerations on the part of the family employing the caregiver. You may wish to run a background screening to check potential nannies for substantiated child abuse complaints or criminal offenses. The Family Care Safety Registry provides access to background information on registered child and elder care workers.

When you hire an in-home caregiver you become an employer. This role has legal and financial implications and obligations. You may wish to consult an attorney for help creating an employment agreement, and a tax specialist or the IRS for information on your obligations as an employer.