Surrogacy Center Services
Surrogacy is a thriving industry in 2024. In 2022, the global size of the surrogacy market was 14 Billion (USD) and is projected to increase to 129 Billion (USD) by 2032. (Source: GMI Insights).
As a Surrogacy Center trying to provide the best care possible for your clients, we know how important the screening of potential surrogates is. Before you can match a surrogate to an intended parent many screenings must be conducted beforehand including medical evaluations, drug testing, psychological evaluations, and background checks. We aim to make the background screening process as easy as possible for you so you can focus on more important things.
Diligent Data Services has been conducting background checks for surrogacy centers for several years. We understand the nuances of these background checks versus traditional pre-employment or tenant checks. Legally, surrogacy background checks fall under the ‘vendor selection’ umbrella.
Surrogacy Background Checks
We recommend background checks for not only potential surrogates but anyone in the household over 18 years of age. This includes spouses, grandparents, adult siblings, roommates, etc. We can customize any of our products to create a standard package for surrogates and their families. At the minimum, we recommend criminal records and driving records. However, for a more in-depth background check we usually like to include bankruptcy searches and civil records.
Intended Parents Background Checks
Although typically less in-depth than background checks for surrogates, a background check for intended parents is just as important. We recommend a criminal history search at the minimum.
How Our Surrogate Screening Works
1
Signed Consent Form
We use a software called QuickApp for our background check release forms. Someone from your surrogacy center will be able to log in and place orders for background checks with a name and email address for each person.
The software emails a link for electronic signature, eliminating paper consent forms and providing necessary legal disclosures. We provide a one-page PDF guide that helps candidates complete the QuickApp form easily, with our contact info included for any support needed. We are always happy to assist!
2
Detailed Background Check
All background checks start with a SSN Trace. This report is essentially a credit report with all the financial information stripped away. It provides an address history on where someone may have lived over the last seven to ten years and any names that have been used. This is especially helpful for women who change their name with marriage or divorce.
The next step is a database check. We search over 500 different databases including Most Wanted Lists, Terrorists, OFAC, and Sex Offender databases. This search covers a wide area, but is not all inclusive, so we only use it to tell us where we need to check more comprehensively.
Once we have the names and jurisdictions we want to investigate, we then conduct all searches needed to complete the request.
3
Report Delivery
Once we receive our results, we compile them in a simple 1-page PDF summary. Our average TAT is 2 to 3 business days. If there are any records found however, results may take longer as we need to validate those records directly with the court.
Most Common Types of Background Checks
Criminal Checks
Most states have two levels of courts—an upper (felony records) and a lower (misdemeanor records). In some states, you can conduct both upper level and lower level searches for background checks at the same time. Some states like New York require an additional fee to search both court levels, so the standard is a felony only search. We know the specifics in every jurisdiction and can advise you on exactly what levels of the court are being searched and what results will typically be found. We also make sure to include Federal Court criminal searches, which would include any crimes that cross State borders.
Civil Searches
Much like criminal records, civil records can be in several different courts within one state. We usually search upper-level civil records as a standard, which would include unpaid tax warrants, lawsuits, judgements, etc. We do not normally search in small-claims court, which usually has a threshold of 5K or 10K in most states. We search both Plaintiff and Defendant records for civil searches, unless you prefer otherwise.
Driving Records
Along with making sure a license is valid, a DMV search will also show any recent traffic violations which may include low level DUIs.
Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy records are reportable for up to 10 years and if records are found, we will report all parties involved, the type of bankruptcy case and whether or not if it has been discharged or if it is still in progress.
Credit Reports
Credit reports will show the credit utilization, mortgages, open accounts, any current delinquent accounts, and any accounts in collections. We pull our reports through TransUnion.
Drug Testing Services
Along with background checks, Diligent Data can assist with drug testing surrogates and/or intended parents. Our drug screening services help ensure that surrogates are free from substance abuse, providing a safe and healthy environment for the surrogacy process. We can help order the tests, email drug passports to surrogates, manage results, and keep in contact with the MRO (where applicable). We offer drug testing through Quest and can find the best panel for you based on your needs and budget.
Get a Quote
Take the first step towards a successful surrogacy journey. Reach out to Diligent Data Services to learn more about our Surrogate Screening services or to schedule a free consultation call. The first two background checks (not including court fees) are free for any new clients!