State registry screening
TrustLine uses fingerprint-based California Department of Justice records, checks the Child Abuse Central Index, verifies identity, and may include FBI criminal history records depending on the applicant path.
California nanny screening
TrustLine for Los Angeles Families
A practical guide to California's TrustLine registry, what it checks, how families verify status, and why it should sit alongside references, interviews, and role-specific screening.
Quick answer
TrustLine is California's official registry for in-home childcare background screening.
TrustLine is designed for families hiring license-exempt, in-home childcare providers such as nannies and babysitters. It was created by the State of California to give parents a way to confirm that a caregiver has completed the state registry screening process.
For Los Angeles families, the important point is simple: TrustLine is important, but it is not the entire hiring process. A strong nanny search should also include identity verification, role-specific references, employment history review, interviews, trial days when appropriate, and clear expectations before an offer is made.
At Los Angeles Nannies, we treat TrustLine as the legal screening floor. The placement decision still depends on the role, the household, the references, and whether the candidate's actual experience matches what the family needs.
How it fits
TrustLine is a screening layer, not a placement decision.
Agency requirement
California guidance says nannies and babysitters placed through an employment agency must be listed on the TrustLine registry or be a current applicant.
Role fit
The right hire also depends on schedule, location, child age, driving, pay, duties, communication style, and the tone of the household.
Family checklist
What to ask before you rely on any background check.
- Is the candidate listed with TrustLine or currently in the application process?
- Have you verified the candidate's status directly with TrustLine?
- Has the candidate worked in homes similar to yours?
- Can prior families verify schedule, ages cared for, duties, and reliability?
- Does the candidate understand California household employment expectations?
- Are you clear about driving, travel, overnight care, sick days, and guaranteed hours?
- Does the candidate communicate in a way that makes the household feel steady?
Verification
How families verify TrustLine status.
TrustLine says parents can check whether a provider is registered by calling 800-822-8490 or emailing trustline@rrnetwork.org with the provider's full name and ID number. Families should verify status before the first day in the home and check again if the placement timeline changes.
If a candidate is a current applicant but not yet listed, clarify what remains, who is tracking the process, and whether the role should wait until clearance is confirmed.
Ask for status
Registered, current applicant, or not yet started are different answers. Get specific before moving forward.
Verify directly
Use TrustLine's official contact path rather than relying only on screenshots, resumes, or verbal confirmation.
Keep screening broader
TrustLine does not replace reference calls, employment verification, or a clear household fit assessment.
Questions families ask
TrustLine FAQ
Is TrustLine the same as a regular online background check?
No. TrustLine is California-specific and tied to the state's registry process for in-home and license-exempt childcare providers. Generic online checks do not replace the fingerprint-based and California-specific registry process described by CDSS.
Should a nanny placed through an agency be TrustLine registered?
Yes. California guidance says nannies and babysitters placed through an employment agency must be listed on the TrustLine registry or be a current applicant. If a candidate is not already listed, families should clarify timing and process before finalizing the hire.
Does TrustLine replace references?
No. TrustLine helps with background screening. References help you understand how the person actually worked inside another family's home.
What does TrustLine not tell me?
TrustLine does not confirm whether the nanny is warm, punctual, organized, experienced with your child's age, comfortable driving, aligned with your schedule, or likely to fit your household. Those answers come from interviews, references, trial days, and careful role definition.
Where should I go next?
Use TrustLine as one part of the search. Then review background checks and nanny references, nanny interview questions, and work agreement basics before making a final offer.
Want help screening beyond the background check?
Los Angeles Nannies helps families define the role, screen candidates, check references, and move through the search with more structure.