How The Information In A Criminal Arrest Record Can Protect Your Kids

How The Information In A Criminal Arrest Record Can Protect Your Kids

Who are the most influential people in your children's lives? Your list may include family members, teachers, coaches, clergy and daycare providers. You entrust these people with your kids, but do they have a criminal arrest record?

You would be surprised at how many people actually have been arrested in the past. In fact, one in four adults have spent at least one night in jail. Chances are high that someone in your family, on the block or otherwise interacting with your kids has a criminal background, and you definitely want to know about it.

Remember too that adults aren't the only ones who might have spent time in jail. By age 18, 16 percent of the country's population has been arrested. Your kids may have young friends who have been in trouble with the law and influencing your kids' behavior. Those friends could be in the same school, social club or chat rooms with your kids. 

What's on a Criminal Arrest Record?

The most common reasons for arrests in the U.S. are:
  • Drug abuse violations
  • Drug possession
  • Larceny and theft
  • Driving under the influence
  • Property crime
  • Violent crime
Additionally, sexual offenses, misdemeanors, speeding tickets, probation and even tattoos or identifying marks are part of a person's criminal record.

Why Would you Want to Search Someone's Past?

The temptation to force your kids into a safe and protective bubble is understandable. The fact that most sexual assaults occur between people who know each other is enough to make you want to shelter your kids from the world. Your kids need space and freedom to live their lives, though, and you can give your kids that space when ­ you obtain a copy of a person's criminal arrest record and learn more about the people in your kids' lives.

People can change. It's possible you yourself have a criminal record and are living proof that a person's past doesn't define their future. As a wise parent, however, you can find peace and protect your family when you educate yourself about the people who influence your kids. Who's criminal arrest record will your order first?