Changes in Investigations of Child Abuse and Neglect in Child Care

DCDEE and the departments of social services (DSS) currently work together to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect in child care. Effective January 1, 2016, DCDEE will be the sole agency to investigate these allegations. Child abuse and neglect in child care will now be called "Child Maltreatment." DCDEE will continue to work with law enforcement and other agencies as needed.

DCDEE will now have a list called the Child Maltreatment Registry. This list will include names of caregivers who maltreat in child care. DCDEE will check the child maltreatment registry automatically as part of the criminal background check for licensed child care. Individuals on the child maltreatment registry are disqualified from working in licensed child care. The general public can submit a request to check an individual's name against the registry by completing the Public Request Form for Child Maltreatment Registry.

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