Division of Family & Children's Services
Mississippi Centralized Intake
1-800-222-8000 | (601) 432-4570
Reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation in the State of Mississippi
www.msabusehotline.com
Child Abuse Central Registry
Licensed Care Facility Abuse
MS Dept of Health | 1-800-227-7308
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of State Attorney
General | 1-800-852-8341
What is a Child Abuse Central Registry Background Check?
The central registry is an official repository for substantiated reports of abuse and neglect. The maintenance of a central registry is legally mandated by the Mississippi Youth Court Act and the Mississippi Vulnerable Adults Act. Names of individuals are checked against names in the central registry to identify any substantiated perpetrators of abuse.
What is the usual turnaround time for a Central Registry Background Check?
It takes approximately seven (7) to ten (10) working days to return a Central Registry Check back. This time frame allows for processing and mailing the request back. NOTE: During the months of August through December the processing time frame will extend to ten (10) to twenty (20) working days, due to the increase of incoming requests.
What information is needed in order to have a Central Registry Background Check completed?
The individual's full name (including maiden name and/or alias if applicable), social security number, birth date, and current address are required to complete a central registry background check. The individual must sign a form authorizing permission for the background check to be completed. A witness must sign his or her name verifying the individual's signature.
Who is allowed to request a Central Registry Background Check?
Social workers can request Central Registry background checks on individuals whose cases they are working. Child care facilities, schools, residential facilities,entities operating in compliance with the Adam Walsh Act, and MDHS can request central registry checks on potential employees and volunteers. However, these agencies are required to have the appropriate signed permission from the individuals prior to submitting the request.
How long do substantiated perpetrator's names remain in the Central Registry?
The names of individuals determined to be "Substantiated Perpetrators" of child abuse and/or neglect remain on the MDHS Central Registry forever, unless the name is removed via the process of an Administrative Fair Hearing.
Contact Information
Mississippi Department of Human Services
Division of Family & Children's Services
Administration/Prevention Unit
1-800-345-6347 | (601) 359-4255