http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Tucker/Morning%20Edition%2003-27-2012.mp3
Connecticut's child abuse and neglect registry is one step closer to allowing offenders to get their names removed from the list if they can prove they are no longer a risk to children.
Unlike the state's sex offender registry, the child abuse and neglect registry is confidential. Employers can request access to the registry through the state Department of Children and Families. Anyone who is an acknowledged offender in a DCF investigation of child abuse or neglect ends up on the registry, regardless of whether the abuse results in a criminal prosecution.
But the registry has had it's problems over the years. Mickey Kramer is the acting state child advocate.
"Some of the problems exist because there was no notificiation that you were on the registry prior to 2000," said Kramer. "One of the things that was very concerning to me and I was unaware of it until recently was that there's almost 3000 people on it who were children at the time of the substantiation who are on the registry."
Children who are now adults, and may be unaware their name is on the list.
Yesterday the general assembly's judiciary committee approved a measure that would let offenders apply to get their name removed from the registry after five years if they haven't been involved in any new abuse cases, and can prove they are rehabilitated. Mickey Kramer supports the bill but wants to make sure the appeals process is thorough and fair.
"Our general concern is how will the department implement a consistent, high quality process of reviewing those people and those applications for removal from the registry," said Kramer. "You know, we just want to make sure it's consistent, even and reliable."
And many lawmakers agree that the rehabilitation language in the bill needs to crystal clear before it goes to a floor vote. There are currently 96,000 names on the child abuse and neglect registry.
