Safety isn't a feature. It's the whole point.
You're trusting someone with your home, your kids, your parents or your inbox. Here's exactly what we check, what we don't, and what happens if something goes wrong.
What every provider goes through
Identity check
A selfie matched to a government ID, so every provider is who they say they are.
Background check
National criminal database and sex-offender registry search, paid for by the provider.
Two references
People who have seen their work, ideally past clients. Shared with you when you request an intro.
Profile review
A person on our team reviews every profile, reference and certificate before it goes live. Background checks are run by a licensed screening company.
Extra checks where the stakes are highest
Care providers are checked before they're approved, so matches can still arrive in minutes. Special cases, like newborn, overnight or live-in care, or care for someone with developmental needs, get a personal look from our team first.
Nanny, Babysitter, Tutor & Family Assistant
Child-abuse registry and 7-year county criminal search, current CPR and first aid, and references from two families they've cared for. Night newborn care also requires newborn care certification with infant CPR.
Elder Care
Adult-protective registry where available and 7-year county search, CPR and first aid, and family references. Non-medical care only.
Anyone who drives
A driver's license and driving record check. Drivers also show proof of auto insurance before driving you, your kids or your pets. Valets show a license too.
Event help, weddings included
Planners, coordinators, photographers, DJs, florists, bartenders and hair & makeup show a certificate of insurance and a portfolio of past work before they're matched.
Food, drink & beauty
Bartenders and servers show a state alcohol server certificate. Private chefs show a food handler card. Hair & makeup artists show a state cosmetology license.
Verified by a person
Every certificate and license is checked by our team. When one expires, it stops counting until the provider uploads a new one.
Clients are verified too
ID-verified clients
Every client completes an ID check before their first intro. Providers see a verified badge.
Providers choose
Providers can decline any intro, for any reason, with no penalty. Clients never see why.
Chat privately first
Message and call through StewardMatch. Full names, numbers, emails, addresses and business websites stay hidden until the hire. We suggest meeting by video or in public first.
What we're honest about
We're the matchmaker, not the employer
You and your provider agree on the work and the pay directly. That keeps StewardMatch affordable, and it means the hiring decision is yours.
No check is perfect
Background checks can miss things. That's why we give you a toolkit to interview, call references and run a paid trial before you hire. Please use it.
If something goes wrong
Report anytime
Every match and intro has a Report a concern button, for clients and providers alike.
We act fast
We respond to every safety report within one business day, and put the other person's account on a safety hold while we look into it.
We keep checking
Background checks are re-run every year. Ratings and check-ins at 7 and 30 days catch what checks can't.
In danger right now? Call 911 first. Then tell us.