About Background Check

A Background Check Resource For Parents

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 FBI Criminal History System, and a name check of the Child Abuse Central Index of California.

Additionally, TrustLine checks the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing database and databases of other state departments (Aging, Public Health, Health Care Services, Emergency Medical Services Authority) to ensure applicants haven't had licenses or permits denied, suspended or revoked for reasons that would potentially disqualify them from being Registered on TrustLine.

It's the only authorized screening of license-exempt providers in California that can access these databases. That's what makes the TrustLine Background Check different than all other babysitter/nanny checks, and different than any online background check, which do not include these important databases.

A state run background check for parents to access

Child care providers who operate in State-Licensed settings, such as child care centers, have undergone a similar screening process. For license-exempt providers, the TrustLine Background Check has given California parents access to a comprehensive background screening on child care providers. And anybody can use it.

What Is The TrustLine Registry?

TrustLine is a database of nannies, babysitters, some child transportation drivers, professional supervised visitation monitors and other child care providers not required to be licensed, that have cleared a criminal background check in California.

What does it mean to be Registered with TrustLine?

A person who is Registered with TrustLine has passed the background screening which means they have no disqualifying criminal convictions, or arrests, and no substantiated child abuse reports in California, which are checked at:

California Department of Social Services
California Child Abuse Index
FBI Criminal History System (a one time only Criminal History Check for arrests/convictions that are reported to the FBI from all 50 states)

TrustLine applicants are also cross checked with the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing database, and databases of other California State Departments to ensure applicants haven't had licenses or permits denied, suspended or revoked for reasons that would potentially disqualify them from being Registered on TrustLine, at:

Department of Health
Department of Health Care Services
Emergency Medical Services Authority
Department of Aging

Updated on a continual basis within California

Once an applicant is Registered with TrustLine, applicants will remain on the TrustLine Registry unless disqualifying criminal or child abuse activity, within California, occurs. TrustLine has a rap back service, by which the California Department of Social Services receives subsequent criminal history and child abuse information from the California Department of Justice, so it is updated on a continual basis. Please note that the FBI background check only occurs once, when the applicant initially applies.

This means you can contact TrustLine at any time to get current status information on the person you are checking on.

How to Check TrustLine Status

Applicants who pass the background screening will receive a letter from the California Department of Social Services, which states that they have been Registered with TrustLine. Families and agencies can ask applicants to provide that letter, or contact TrustLine to get the most current status information.

To check if someone is Registered on TrustLine, call 1-800-822-8490, or email us at trustline@rrnetwork.org with the applicant’s first and last name and ID number (CA or Out-of-State Driver’s License or ID number, or a permanent resident card).

How To Apply

For information on how to apply to TrustLine, visit the How to Apply section of our website.

Parents, find information on How to Background Check Your Nanny or Babysitter

Who Is Required By California Law To Use TrustLine?

Employment Agencies (nanny and babysitter placement agencies) are required by law to register their caregivers with TrustLine upon placement.
Transport Escort Services companies that transport minors across state lines to residential facilities with permission from the minor's parents or legal guardian, are required by law to register with TrustLine the individual(s) transporting or accompanying the minor with TrustLine.
Ancillary Child Care Centers which are provided by businesses for customers or clients while the customers or clients shop or obtain services (i.e. health clubs and gyms), are required by law to register on TrustLine those staff members who are 18 years of age or older that work in the child care center.
Professional Supervised Visitation Monitors who supervise visits or exchanges of children with the noncustodial party are required by law to be registered on TrustLine. You are a professional supervised visitation monitor provide if you are, paid for providing supervised visitation services, or are an independent contractor, employee, intern, or volunteer operating independently or through a supervised visitation center or agency.
Child Care Providers who are not required to be licensed in California (baby-sitters, nannies, etc.) and who are providing child care to parents that receive a state or federal child care subsidy are required by law to register with TrustLine, except for grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Required by The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC):

On-demand Transportation Services that transport unaccompanied children (i.e. companies that pay individuals using their own cars to pick up a child from an elementary school and take them to dance class or baseball practice) are required by the CPUC to have the drivers of the vehicles registered on TrustLine.

What is Guardian Database?

Learn About the Online Database For Applying to TrustLine (Guardian)

In January 2021, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) launched Guardian, an online database used to process background checks and house the background check information. The Guardian database provides an online portal to assist agencies and applicants in the background check process. Guardian allowed TrustLine to move to an online application process, so the background checks are completed faster and more efficiently.

Guardian does not replace TrustLine. TrustLine is the name of the Background Check, and Guardian is the name of the online database run by the California Department of Social Services. Guardian allows applicants and agencies to submit TrustLine applications, pay any required processing fees, and receive electronic correspondence from CDSS. Applicants can also submit documents, keep their address information up-to-date and see the results of their background check.

However, parents cannot log onto Guardian to see results, only the applicant or agency that submitted the application can access that information on Guardian.