The Vermont Child Protection Registry (formerly called the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry) is a database of all substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect, dating back to January 1, 1992.

Substantiated Reports

When the Family Services Division of DCF investigates reports of child abuse or neglect, we are required by law to determine whether the actions reported have been substantiated. A substantiated report means we have determined the report is based on accurate and reliable information that would lead a reasonable person to believe the child has been abused or neglected.

Registry Records

Each registry record includes:

• The name of an individual substantiated for child abuse or neglect;
• The date of the finding;
• The nature of the finding;
• At least one personal identifier other than the person’s name to help us correctly identify the person; and
  
• For individuals placed on the Registry on or after July 1, 2009, it also includes a designated child protection level.
  

Designated Child Protection Levels

Child protection levels, related to the risk of future harm to children, are assigned to individuals placed on the Child Protection Registry on or after July 1, 2009. Two levels may be assigned:

Level 1 is assigned if:

• The substantiation involves substantial child endangerment;
• There are court adjudications for related conduct; or
• There is a high risk of future harm.

Level 2 is assigned to all other substantiations.

Risk of Future Harm

We assess the risk of future harm using validated risk assessment tools such as the Family Risk Assessment. We also consider such things as:

• The person's response to the investigation, acceptance of responsibility for the conduct, and ability and willingness to engage in recommended services;
• The person's prior history of child abuse or neglect (as either victim or abuser);
• The nature of the conduct and extent of the child's injury, if any; and
• The person's age and developmental maturity.
  

Impact of a Registry Record

Having a registry record may affect a person’s ability to become a:

• Foster parent, adoptive parent, or child care provider;
• Employee of a residential facility for children, youth, or vulnerable adults; and
• Volunteer, contractor, employee, or grantee who provides care, custody, treatment, transportation, or supervision of children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
  

How the Registry is Used

DCF staff search the Registry whenever:

1. We receive a report of child abuse or neglect;
2. Someone applies to become a foster parent, adoptive parent, child care provider, or employee of a residential facility for children or youth in Vermont; and
3. Someone authorized to receive registry information requests a search. This includes:

• Employers whose staff provide care, custody, treatment, transportation, or supervision of children, youth, or vulnerable adults;
• Owners/operators of facilities regulated by the Department for Children and Families;
• The state’s attorney or attorney general;
• Designees within the Vermont Agency of Human Services;
• Adult protective services in other states;
• Child protection agencies in other states;
• Others as provided for in statute.