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Regulatory State
 

Child Abuse Registry.

Abuse and Neglect Investigations

The Child Abuse Registry is a database maintained by individual states that contains records of child abuse and neglect. Individual state agencies, such as their Department of Human Services, Social Services, Children and Family Services, etc., are required to maintain records when receiving reports of child abuse/neglect. This prevents individuals who have abused or neglected children from being in a position where they could do it again. 

State-Specific Child Abuse Registries


State registries vary significantly in their accessibility and search requirements. While some states provide relatively straightforward access to authorized organizations, others maintain strict control over their records. For example, Florida, New York, and North Carolina restrict third-party access to their registries, requiring direct interaction between the subject and the state agency.

Documentation and Verification Process


All child abuse registry searches start with a form that must be filled out by the subject. Common fields on each form include full name, any previous/alias names, current and past addresses within the state, DOB, SSN, and sometimes the names of spouses and children. Most, if not all, also ask for this search. It typically should be for individuals who will be working with children.

Some forms need to be notarized, some can only be accepted with the original form signed with physical ink. Others require an associated fee to be sent along with the form to search money order or online payment.

Processing Timeframes and Considerations


Once the subject fills out the form and sends it back to us, we send it out to the individual state’s agency by their preferred method, along with the sometimes associated fee. After, we wait for results stating whether our subject has ever been reported for child abuse and/or neglect. Most states have a long turnaround time in returning results.

The Alabama Department of Human Services (DHR) maintains the Alabama registry as a centralized database of individuals with "indicated" findings of child maltreatment. Under Alabama law, a report is "indicated" when an investigation finds substantial evidence that abuse or neglect occurred. Employment background checks against this registry are mandatory for individuals seeking positions in childcare, education, and other roles involving direct contact with children. Employers must submit a formal request to the DHR State Office, as the information is confidential and not available for public broad-search. Individuals with substantiated findings on the registry are typically disqualified from licensure or employment in high-sensitivity caregiving roles.
Managed by the Alaska Office of Children’s Services (OCS), the Alaska registry tracks individuals who have been the subject of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect. Alaska utilizes a robust Background Check Program (BCP) that integrates registry findings with criminal history data for a comprehensive safety screening. For many healthcare and social service roles, being listed on the registry serves as a "barring condition," preventing the individual from working in state-licensed facilities or programs. Employers must verify prospective staff through the Alaska Background Check System (NABCS). The state maintains these records to prevent individuals with a history of harming children from gaining access to vulnerable populations in both urban and remote rural settings. 
The Arizona registry contains a record of substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect investigated by the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Arizona law requires a search of this registry for any individual applying for a position that provides direct services to children or vulnerable adults, including state contractors and employees in congregate care settings. A substantiated finding is maintained on the registry for up to 25 years, depending on the date of the report. If an individual does not clear this check, they may apply for a "Central Registry Exception" through the Board of Fingerprinting, which requires a rigorous demonstration of rehabilitation. Without this exception, a registry match effectively prohibits employment in many of the state's caregiving sectors. 
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for the Arkansas registry, which lists offenders with "true" reports of child maltreatment. Arkansas mandates that all persons applying for initial teacher licensure, license renewal, or employment at a school district or public school must undergo a registry check. This process is handled separately from criminal background checks and requires a notarized authorization form. Findings on the registry can range from physical abuse to severe neglect, and a "true" finding remains on the record unless the individual successfully petitions for name removal. Employers use the results to ensure compliance with state safety laws, as those listed are legally barred from many professional caregiving and educational roles. 
Administered by the California Department of Justice, the California registry is an electronic database of people who have a "substantiated" report of child abuse or severe neglect. California law requires county child welfare services and probation departments to report these findings to the state within strict timeframes. CACI is used by social welfare agencies to screen applicants for employment in licensed childcare facilities, foster homes, and for adoption clearances. Individuals listed on CACI are often barred from volunteer and employment opportunities involving children and cannot operate childcare facilities. Inclusion on the registry is long-lasting, often remaining until the individual reaches age 100, making it a critical, long-term compliance checkpoint for California employers and licensing boards. 
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) maintains the Colorado registry through its "Trails" database. This confidential system contains information regarding all child abuse and neglect referrals and the outcomes of subsequent investigations. Colorado law mandates that licensed child care facilities and certain health agencies perform a "Trails check" for all prospective employees who will have direct contact with children or at-risk adults. Employers must register with the CAPS Check Unit to request these background screenings. A "founded" report on the registry indicates that a preponderance of evidence supports the finding of maltreatment, which typically results in an individual being barred from providing direct care in any state-licensed facility. 
The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees the Connecticut registry, a confidential database of individuals substantiated as responsible for child abuse or neglect. Connecticut distinguishes between "substantiation" and "registry placement"; only those deemed to pose a significant risk to the safety or well-being of children are listed on the central registry. Educational institutions, licensed care providers, and state agencies are required by law to conduct a registry search before hiring staff or volunteers. Inclusion on the registry often leads to immediate disqualification from employment in positions that involve the care or supervision of minors, and names remain on the list until a successful appeal or petition for removal is granted. 
The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) manages the Delaware registry, which contains records of perpetrators in substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect. Each incident is designated with a "Child Protection Level" (II, III, or IV), determining the severity and reporting requirements. Delaware law mandates that all persons seeking employment in public schools, health care facilities, or youth camps must undergo a registry check. This computer search is conducted by the DSCYF Criminal History Unit to ensure that prospective hires are not "active" on the registry. Individuals listed at higher levels of maltreatment are legally prohibited from having direct access to vulnerable populations, serving as a primary safeguard for Delaware's child-serving organizations. 
The D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) maintains the District of Columbia registry, a confidential index of individuals known or strongly suspected of child abuse or neglect. The District requires all organizations working directly with children—including schools and daycare centers—to request a "CPR check" for employment decisions. Results provided to employers are limited to the nature and disposition of the report to protect the privacy of victims. A substantiated finding in D.C. typically signifies that an investigation found credible evidence of maltreatment, which serves as a disqualifying factor for many professional and volunteer roles. Applications for these checks must often be notarized or submitted via a secure online portal to verify the identity of the applicant. 
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) operates the Florida registry to track "confirmed" reports of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Florida law requires background screening for all "good moral character" positions, including childcare workers, foster parents, and those serving developmentally disabled individuals. This screening includes a mandatory search of the abuse registry alongside criminal history records. A confirmed finding on the registry generally results in a 50-year disqualification from working in a caretaker capacity, unless an exemption is specifically granted. While the registry itself is not open to public inspection, authorized employers and licensing agencies can access verified history to ensure that individuals with a record of maltreatment are not placed in positions of trust. 
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) maintains the Georgia registry through the IONS database, which houses all substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect from 2008 to the present. Georgia law restricts access to this information to specific "licensed entities" that interact with children, child-placing agencies, and government bodies for the purpose of employment or licensing. Employers must submit screening requests via the secure IONS portal. A "substantiated" finding in Georgia means an investigation determined that child maltreatment occurred, and this record remains accessible to authorized agencies to prevent individuals with a history of harm from working in sensitive caregiving roles. 
Under the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Hawaii registry tracks individuals involved in "confirmed" reports of child abuse or neglect. Hawaii utilizes a "Green Light/Red Light" system for background checks conducted through its designated partner, Fieldprint. A "Red Light" determination indicates a confirmed finding of abuse, which prohibits the applicant from being employed in healthcare facilities or providing direct service to clients unless an official exemption is granted. Employers are required to maintain documentation of these checks to demonstrate compliance with state licensing and certification requirements. The registry ensures that anyone found to have maltreated a child is flagged during the pre-employment process. 
Managed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), the Idaho registry is a list of individuals substantiated for child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Inclusion on the registry is determined by social worker assessments, admissions, or physical evidence. Idaho requires an "enhanced clearance" for individuals who have direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, which includes a search of this central registry. Applicants must provide notarized consent for the search, and a substantiated history will typically disqualify an individual from child-serving roles. The state provides a formal appeal process for individuals who wish to challenge their placement on the registry. 
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) maintains the Illinois registry, often referred to as the "CANTS" check. This registry is a confidential list of "indicated" perpetrators of child abuse or neglect. Reports are maintained for five to 50 years, depending on the severity of the allegation. Organizations such as schools, mental health agencies, and licensed childcare providers are required to obtain these background checks for prospective employees. Unlike standard criminal checks, the SCR focuses specifically on administrative findings of maltreatment. If an individual is listed as an "indicated" perpetrator, they are generally barred from employment in roles involving the care of minors across the state. 
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) establishes and maintains the Indiana registry as a centralized, computerized index of substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect. Indiana law mandates "Expanded Child Protection Index" checks for school staff, charter school board members, and other individuals in child-serving roles. The purpose of the CPI check is to verify whether an individual has been the subject of a substantiated report within the state. Employers must submit requests through the DCS Central Office Background Check Unit. A substantiated finding in Indiana is a significant barrier to employment in any licensed childcare or educational setting, ensuring that individuals with a documented history of maltreatment are excluded from these positions. 
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) maintains the Iowa registry, which records individuals with "founded" child abuse assessments. Iowa utilizes the Single Contact Repository (SING) to allow authorized employers, such as childcare providers and schools, to expedite background checks. A "founded" report indicates that a preponderance of evidence supports the allegation of maltreatment. Under Iowa law, most individuals listed on the registry are prohibited from working in licensed childcare or healthcare facilities that provide direct care to children or dependent adults. Employers must obtain a signed "Authorization for Release of Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Information" (Form 470-3301) from the applicant to conduct the search 
Managed by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Kansas registry is a confidential database of persons substantiated for child maltreatment. Kansas law prohibits any person listed on the registry from working, residing, or volunteering in a childcare facility regulated by the DCF or the Department of Health and Environment. To request a search, employers must submit a specific "Registry Release Form" signed by the applicant, accompanied by a $10 fee for private entities. Substantiated findings are a major barrier to employment in the caregiving sector, and the results of the search are typically emailed or mailed directly to the requesting agency to ensure compliance with state safety standards. 
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) oversees the Kentucky registry, which tracks individuals with substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect. Kentucky recently modernized this process with the "CAN Payment and Verification" online portal, accessible via the Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG). This system allows schools and childcare providers to electronically request and receive results, significantly reducing processing times. State law mandates a clean background check on the registry as a condition of employment for staff and volunteers in public schools and licensed childcare centers. A substantiated finding is recorded as a "reportable incident," which generally disqualifies the individual from working in a position of trust with minors. 
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) maintains the Louisiana registry, a subset of the state repository that lists perpetrators of "substantiated" (formerly "justified") child abuse or neglect. Placement on the SCR is determined by the severity of the maltreatment. Louisiana uses the Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance System (CANS) for employers to request clearances, which is now mandatory for all public and private school employees prior to hiring. To access the registry, school administrators must be approved through the EdLink credentialing process. A $25 fee is required for most private facility checks. Inclusion on the SCR serves as a permanent bar to employment in licensed early learning centers and most other state-regulated caregiving roles. 
Managed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Maine registry contains records of individuals who have been "substantiated" as an abuser of a child. Maine provides a secure, online service for authorized agencies and individuals to request a "CPS Clearance." Employers in children’s residential treatment facilities, shelters, and licensed childcare programs must conduct these checks as part of a comprehensive background screening process. To perform a search, the requesting agency must upload a signed authorization form from the subject and pay a $15 fee. A substantiated history on the registry is considered grounds for being disqualified from employment, and results are typically delivered via email to ensure a rapid hiring and compliance process. 
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) maintains the Maryland registry, a confidential index of individuals with "indicated" or "unsubstantiated" findings of child abuse or neglect. Maryland law requires specific background clearances for school personnel, childcare workers, and prospective adoptive or foster parents. Employers must submit a "CPS/Adam Walsh Background Clearance Request" form, which must be notarized and sent to the local Department of Social Services or the Social Services Administration's central unit. A finding on the registry is a significant factor in determining suitability for employment in child-serving roles, and individuals listed are often disqualified from positions where they would have unsupervised access to minors. 
Administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Massachusetts registry contains records of individuals with "supported" reports of child abuse or neglect within the Commonwealth. Massachusetts mandates that public and private organizations, including schools and licensed care providers, request a search of this registry for any applicant who will work with children. The search is distinct from criminal (CORI) and sex offender (SORI) checks and requires a specific "Central Registry Record Request Form." If an exact match is found, the DCF provides the requesting organization with the nature of the finding. Individuals with supported reports are typically barred from employment or volunteering in positions of trust with children to ensure their safety and well-being. 
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintains the Michigan registry as a confidential list of individuals with "confirmed" findings of serious abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation. Michigan's system allows specific entities, such as childcare organizations and law enforcement, to request clearances via the DHS-1929 form. Under current law, only the most severe cases of maltreatment result in placement on the central registry, which can impact future employment and licensing opportunities. Employers must verify a candidate's status to ensure they are not listed as a perpetrator, as inclusion on the registry serves as a disqualifying event for roles involving direct care or supervision of children in state-licensed facilities. 
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), the Minnesota registry is used to conduct "maltreatment studies" to determine if an individual has been found responsible for the substantiated maltreatment of a child or vulnerable adult. Minnesota requires these background studies for all persons applying for licenses or working in programs licensed by the DHS, such as childcare centers and foster care homes. The study process is centralized through the NETStudy 2.0 system, where authorized providers submit applicant information. A substantiated finding of maltreatment often leads to an individual being disqualified from direct contact with persons served by the program. The registry is a critical component of the state's public policy to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized. 
The Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services (MDCPS) maintains the Mississippi registry, an official repository of individuals with substantiated reports of child maltreatment. Mississippi law requires a comprehensive background check - including a search of this registry - for all employees and volunteers of licensed childcare programs and child-placing agencies. Employers must submit the "Common Central Registry Application" form for each applicant to be checked against the state's Automatic Child Welfare System (MACWIS). If a substantiated finding of abuse or neglect is identified, the individual is generally deemed unsuitable for working with children. This screening ensures that individuals with a documented history of harm are excluded from positions that provide unsupervised care to Mississippi's youth. 
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) manages the Missouri registry, a comprehensive screening tool that includes the Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Missouri law requires child care, elder care, and personal care workers to register with the FCSR before being hired. Once registered, authorized employers can conduct background screenings to identify any "preponderance of evidence" findings of maltreatment. The registry acts as a single point of access for multiple state databases, ensuring that individuals with substantiated histories of child or elder abuse are flagged during the hiring process. Results are provided to both the employer and the individual to maintain transparency and facilitate the exclusion of unsafe caregivers from the workforce. 
Managed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), the Montana registry contains information on individuals who are the subject of "substantiated" determinations of child abuse or neglect. Montana recently established more rigorous requirements for registry placement, including the right to a district court hearing before an individual is added to the list. Employers in child-serving sectors must submit a signed and notarized Release of Information form to the Child and Family Services Division to conduct a search. If a match is found, the state provides a notice that the individual may pose a risk to children. Inclusion on the registry can result in a bar from employment or licensure for up to 25 years, depending on the severity of the offense. 
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the Nebraska registry, a confidential database of individuals involved in substantiated reports of child maltreatment. Nebraska utilizes a secure online portal for central registry checks, where applicants must verify their identity through a series of "knowledge-based" questions or a notarized signature. Authorized third-party organizations must have a valid Portal ID to receive results directly. Findings on the registry include the date of the report and the specific classification of the maltreatment. Legal penalties apply for the unauthorized release of registry information, as the state strictly controls access to ensure that only those with a legitimate "need to know"—such as school boards and childcare administrators—can view an individual's history. 
Administered by the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), the Nevada registry is a list of individuals substantiated for child abuse or neglect. Under Nevada Revised Statute 432.100, information is disclosed to employers only when the applicant provides written authorization, and the role involves regular, substantial contact with children. Employers must use the state-approved CANS (Child Abuse and Neglect Screening) form, which requires either notarization or a copy of a photo ID to verify the subject's identity. If a substantiated record is found, the individual is notified of their right to appeal. The registry serves as a vital safeguard, as many child-serving organizations in Nevada are legally prohibited from hiring anyone with a substantiated finding of maltreatment on their record. 
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) maintains the New Hampshire registry, a confidential database of individuals found to have abused or neglected a child within the state. Placement on the registry is generally indefinite unless a court orders the removal of the individual's name. New Hampshire mandates that all childcare personnel, foster parents, and adoptive applicants undergo a central registry search as part of their background clearance. To request a search for a third party, the subject must sign a specific authorization form in the presence of a notary. If a "founded" complaint is identified, the state may deny or revoke the individual's license or permit to work with children. The registry is a critical tool for protecting the health and safety of New Hampshire's most vulnerable citizens. 
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) maintains the New Jersey registry as a statewide database of individuals with substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect. New Jersey law requires CARI background checks for employees of facilities licensed or contracted by the state to provide services to children and individuals with developmental disabilities. Employers must submit applications through the secure online portal, and any current employee who refuses to cooperate with the check must be terminated. A substantiated finding on the registry typically renders an individual ineligible for employment in high-sensitivity caregiving roles. Once a positive result is received, provider agencies are often mandated to act upon the notice - frequently requiring termination of the individual - within 24 hours to maintain state compliance. 
The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) oversees the New Mexico registry, which is part of a consolidated online registry system used for comprehensive background screenings. New Mexico law mandates that all new hire caregivers in health facilities and Medicaid community-based waiver programs undergo a search of this registry to identify any history of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The screening process often involves a dual check of both the central registry and the Employee Abuse Registry (EAR). Inclusion on the registry signifies that an investigation found credible evidence of maltreatment, such as a parent's admission or physical evidence. For most caregiving positions, a "clear" status on the registry is a prerequisite for moving forward with further fingerprint-based criminal background checks. 
Managed by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the New York registry maintains a record of all "indicated" reports of child abuse and maltreatment. New York requires a search of the SCR for any individual who will have regular and substantial contact with children in licensed childcare programs or other state-regulated facilities. Employers must use the Online Clearance System (OCS) to submit check requests, which are mandatory under the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. An "indicated" report means that an investigation found some credible evidence of maltreatment. These records are used to determine an individual's suitability for employment or for becoming a foster or adoptive parent, and being listed on the SCR can serve as a significant barrier to working in the caregiving sector for several years. 
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) maintains the North Carolina registry known as the Responsible Individuals List. This list contains the names of individuals who have been identified as responsible for the abuse or "serious neglect" of a child. Unlike a general central registry, the RIL specifically targets cases meeting high thresholds of severity and provides individuals with the right to judicial review before being placed on the list. Authorized agencies, including childcare entities and licensed adoption agencies, use the RIL to determine the fitness of individuals to care for children. Inclusion on the RIL is a permanent disqualifier for many professional roles in North Carolina's child welfare and educational systems, and the state strictly regulates access to the data to protect the privacy of those involved. 
Administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the North Dakota registry is a mandated database of individuals identified as the subjects of "confirmed" child abuse or neglect assessments. North Dakota law requires that names remain on the index for up to 25 years following the determination of maltreatment. Organizations must submit the official "Child Abuse and Neglect Background Inquiry" form (SFN 433) to the Children and Family Services division to conduct a search. Results include the decision date and the nature of the finding, providing critical information for employment and licensing decisions in childcare and residential treatment settings. The registry acts as a primary safeguard, ensuring that individuals with a documented history of harming children are identified before they are placed in positions of trust. 
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) maintains the Ohio registry through its Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS). Ohio law permits specific searches, known as the Ohio SACWIS Alleged Perpetrator Search (OSAPS), to identify individuals named as alleged perpetrators in "substantiated" or "indicated" reports of maltreatment. While the registry is confidential, authorized agencies and individuals can request searches for employment in child-serving roles (excluding certain childcare roles, which have a separate unified background check process). A "Match" result provides the date of the report, the specific allegation, and the investigating county agency. These records are critical for ensuring that individuals with a documented history of harming children are not placed in positions of responsibility. 
Managed by Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), the Oklahoma registry, also known as Joshua's List, is a database of individuals prohibited from working in licensed childcare facilities. Unlike many states where registry information is highly restricted, Joshua's List allows for an online search by name to verify if a person is a "registrant." Placement on the registry occurs after an individual has exhausted administrative appeals for substantiated child abuse or neglect that occurred while the child was in a licensed facility, or for certain criminal convictions. Individuals on the registry are legally barred from licensure, ownership, employment, or even residing in a licensed childcare program. Employers are mandated to conduct a search of this list within 30 days of hiring any new personnel to ensure compliance with state safety laws. 
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) operates the Oregon registry as a centralized system for screening individuals who work in licensed childcare and early education programs. To be "enrolled" in the CBR, an individual must pass a comprehensive background check that includes a search of child abuse and neglect records, criminal history, and adult protective services data. Enrollment is a mandatory prerequisite for employment in most child-serving roles in Oregon. The registry simplifies the hiring process for providers by allowing them to verify an applicant's "active" status online. If an individual is found to have a substantiated history of maltreatment, they are denied enrollment, effectively barring them from the childcare workforce. This proactive approach ensures that only individuals with a cleared background have direct access to children in regulated settings. 
Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Pennsylvania registry, commonly known as the Childline Registry, is a statewide database of "indicated" or "founded" perpetrators of child abuse. Pennsylvania law requires all employees and adult volunteers who have a "significant likelihood of regular contact" with children to obtain a Child Abuse History Clearance. This clearance process is managed through the Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) portal. If an individual has a record on the registry, it will appear on their clearance certificate. Employers must verify these certificates before an individual can begin work or volunteer duties. Inclusion on the registry can result in a lifetime ban from certain professions, making it a powerful tool for protecting children across the Commonwealth. 
The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCF) maintains the Rhode Island registry, which provides what was traditionally called a "CANTS check" (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System). In Rhode Island, a comprehensive background check for childcare workers must include this specific registry search. Employers and individuals must submit a "Clearance Request" through the state's online portal or via a notarized paper form to identify any substantiated findings of maltreatment. Results are provided as a formal letter indicating whether the individual is "cleared" or has a "match" on the registry. Because this check is a separate document from the state's general criminal BCI, Rhode Island employers must ensure they receive both to meet the federal and state compliance standards for child-caring staff. 
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) maintains the South Carolina registry as a confidential database of individuals with "indicated" findings of child abuse or neglect. South Carolina law requires that perpetrators be entered into the registry only by court order or through specific administrative determinations. Employers in the childcare, group care, and educational sectors must use the SCDSS Online Central Registry and Database System to conduct background checks. This digital portal allows for the electronic submission of requests and provides results via email, which significantly streamlines the hiring process for providers. Inclusion on the registry signifies a formal legal determination of maltreatment and acts as a disqualifying factor for any individual seeking a position that involves the care or supervision of children. 
Managed by the Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Child Protection Services, the South Dakota registry is a component of the state’s child welfare computer system. It stores private information about caretakers who have a court finding or a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect. South Dakota law mandates central registry checks for all staff in licensed childcare centers, registered family daycares, and child placement agencies. Only authorized DSS staff have direct access to the registry, and results are shared with employers as part of a comprehensive background screening letter. If an individual is listed on the registry, they are legally prohibited from working in any DSS-licensed facility or home. The state provides a 30-day appeal window before a name is finalized on the registry to ensure due process for the accused. 
The Tennessee Department of Health is required by state law to maintain the Tennessee registry, which includes individuals found to have abused, neglected, or misappropriated the property of a vulnerable person under 18 years of age. Tennessee law requires that all employers who provide direct patient care or child-serving services complete a background check - including a search of this registry - before hiring or contracting with an individual. The registry is distinct from the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) internal records and focuses on individuals who have exhausted their due process rights following an investigation. Employers must verify that a candidate is not on this list, as inclusion serves as a permanent bar to employment in licensed healthcare and childcare settings across the state. 
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) oversees the Texas registry, a database of individuals found to have abused or neglected a child during investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) or Child Care Licensing (CCL). In Texas, an individual is included on the registry when an investigation results in a disposition of "reason to believe." Employers in the childcare and social service sectors must ensure that applicants submit a central registry check via the DFPS "MYDAP" portal. A unique aspect of the Texas system is that only the subject of the check can initiate the request, although they can designate an employer to receive the results. A "cleared" result confirms the individual is not a designated perpetrator, whereas a match often leads to immediate disqualification from employment in child-serving roles. 
Administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Utah registry consists of the Licensing Information System (LIS), a subset of the broader child welfare Management Information System. Utah law mandates that the LIS be used to screen individuals seeking employment or licenses in childcare programs, foster care, and healthcare facilities. A "supported" finding of a severe type of child abuse or neglect is the primary trigger for employment disqualification. The Office of Background Processing (OBP) handles these screenings, often integrating them with fingerprint-based criminal history checks. Access to registry information is strictly controlled and limited to entities with statutory authorization, ensuring that sensitive maltreatment records are only used for the protection of children and vulnerable populations. 
The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) maintains the Vermont registry, a record of all investigations that have resulted in a "substantiated" report of child abuse or neglect. Vermont law allows certain employers to request registry checks to determine if an individual is fit to provide care, custody, or supervision of children. For reports made after a certain date, the registry assigns a "designated child protection level" based on the risk of future harm. Employers must use the Agency of Human Services' automated system to submit background checks. A substantiated finding remains on the registry for a period determined by the severity of the conduct, and inclusion typically bars individuals from working in state-licensed child care and social service positions. 
Managed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), the Virginia registry is a confidential system containing "founded" complaints of child abuse and neglect. Virginia distinguishes findings by levels; for instance, Level 1 dispositions (the most severe) are maintained on the registry for 25 years. Local school boards and administrators of private schools are mandated to conduct registry searches for all prospective employees. These checks are separate from criminal history and do not appear on public websites. If an individual is found on the registry, they are generally disqualified from employment in positions with direct access to children, ensuring that those with a history of harming minors are excluded from Virginia's educational and caregiving sectors. 
The Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) maintains the Washington registry, which tracks "founded" findings of maltreatment. Washington utilizes a modern "CAN History Check Portal" for employers and out-of-state agencies to inquire about an individual's history electronically. Federal law requires any agency receiving matching funds for child care or foster care to request this information for any staff member who has lived in the state within the last five years. A "founded" finding signifies that an investigation determined maltreatment more likely than not occurred. Inclusion on this registry is a primary disqualifier for working in state-licensed care facilities, and the portal allows for real-time status updates and automatic notifications for requesting organizations. 
Administered by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia registry contains information related to criminal convictions involving child abuse or neglect. Unlike many states that use administrative findings, West Virginia’s registry is specifically linked to misdemeanor or felony convictions for maltreatment or misappropriation of property. Organizations providing care, education, or supervision for children may utilize the registry as part of their screening process. Individuals required to be on the registry must pay an annual fee and report any changes in address to the State Police. Because it is tied to the criminal justice system, placement on the registry often carries a 10-year minimum duration, serving as a permanent record for employers to ensure that convicted offenders do not return to child-serving roles. 
In Wisconsin, child welfare is state-supervised but county-administered, meaning the Wisconsin registry data is managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) using information from 71 different counties. While Wisconsin does not have a single "public-access" index, the DCF maintains centralized records of all reports and investigations. Authorized entities, such as licensed child welfare agencies and county departments, use these records to monitor safety and conduct required background studies. A "substantiated" finding of maltreatment in the state’s automated system triggers employment disqualification for roles involving direct contact with children. Employers must often coordinate with the state or local agencies to verify that an applicant does not have a history of harming children or vulnerable adults. 
The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) manages the Wyoming registry, which provides information on whether an applicant has been "substantiated" for child abuse or neglect. Wyoming law requires all licensed child care staff and healthcare facility employees to pass a central registry screen. The DFS utilizes a secure online portal where entities can submit applications and pay a $10 fee for results, which are typically processed within 3-5 business days. A substantiation on the registry results in a "Red Light" or ineligible status, preventing the individual from being present in a licensed facility. Wyoming also coordinates out-of-state registry checks for individuals who have lived in other jurisdictions in the last five years, providing a comprehensive safety net for the state's caregiving industry. 

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