Names of individuals are placed on the statewide abuse and neglect Central Registry if there is a preponderance of evidence that the individual has abused or neglected their child and the future risk to the child is high or intensive (based on the structured decision making risk assessment tool). (Note: The Child Protection Law requires certain persons' names to go on Central Registry regardless on risk.) 

If an individual does not agree that their name should be on the Central Registry, they have a right to an administrative hearing. If the Administrative Law Judge upholds the DHS decision to place the name on the Central Registry, the individual has a right to appeal the decision to the Circuit Court. The DHS needs a preponderance of evidence that a child was abused or neglected to substantiate a case and list a person's name on Central Registry.

When names are placed on the Central Registry, the DHS sends each individual a written notification which includes information on the right to review the case record, the right to appeal the decision to place their name on the Central Registry, and instructions on how to file the appeal.

Friend of the Court and DHS share information in order to collect the child support due to custodial parents. Frequently, parents themselves want information the Friend of the Court has shared with the DHS, so the DHS and parent can work together more effectively to protect a child.