Missouri's Child Abuse Registry 'Unconstitutional'

A state circuit judge in Missouri has ruled that the state's child abuse registry is unconstitutional because people placed on the list were not first given a due-process hearing.

Circuit Judge Richard Callahan ruled that listing on the registry could damage the reputations and professional careers if they first did not receive a court heart before being listed.

Missouri's child abuse is not available to the public. It is used only by child care providers and other employers to screen employees. The Department of Social Services plans to appeal the ruling to the Missouri Supreme Court.

The DSS Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board places names on the registry after holding informal hearings. The board's decision can be appealed to a judge, but the case on which Callahan ruled two people were placed on the list before they had the opportunity to appeal.

See Also:
Court Rejects Mo. Child Abuse Registry

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