[aMgrJo]

I live in Pa. My brother and his wife are in the adoption process. I will be taking care of the baby until my sister in law returns to work weeks after the baby arrives. (Probably 6 weeks or so)
This may sound like a stupid concern...
8 years ago (when I was 18) I was arrested for stealing (goods, not money). It wasn't a felony or anything THAT serious...but I'm extremely embarassed of it as we were raised in a family that just "didn't do that sort of thing". SO, my family does NOT know. I have NO other criminal history. Not even little run-ins with the police. Since the incident, I met a great man, got married and now we have a child of our own.
My concern is that I was told that I may need clearances to be the child care provider! They did say that it will probably depend on the agency. I am sort of freaking out...because I never thought this would be how they would find this out! Not that I'm living a lie...it's just something they do not need to know.
Does anyone know if I would just need a child abuse clearance? Or if my brother and his wife would find out about the stupid misdemeanor on my record from 8 years ago?? It seems weird that they would check anything more than a child abuse clearance on me....
Any input is appreciated...thank you!

[Lumpkin]

If it's a typical background check, they will find the criminal record. They have to check criminal records, because even though they do not substantiate abuse, certain crimes or repetitive criminal behavior can demonstrate personality traits that would lead to possible endangerment of the child.

However, I do not believe that even if you got a hit on your criminal background check, that they would inform your family. They would simply review the criminal offense and eventually clear you for child care (although it may take a bit more time to do so).