Understanding Michigan’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry

Michigan’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry, sometimes called the Child Abuse Registry, is a confidential state database that lists the names of people whom Children’s Protective Services (CPS) has determined committed child abuse or neglect. This registry is different from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry because it is not open to the public. However, being listed can have a big impact on your personal life and your career.

Recent Legal Changes in Michigan

Major updates to the Michigan Child Protection Law took effect on November 1, 2022, changing how names are added to the registry. If you or someone you care about is dealing with a CPS investigation in Lansing, Ingham County, or anywhere in Michigan, it is important to understand these new rules and how they could affect you.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says someone can be added to the registry if there is enough evidence of abuse or neglect and if CPS believes the risk to the child is high or very serious. They use a structured assessment tool and their own professional judgment to decide.

In some cases, Michigan law requires names to be added to the registry no matter the risk level. This happens when there is serious physical injury, sexual abuse, or a child’s death. The law makes it clear when this is the case, and CPS does not have a choice.

How is the CPS Registry Different from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry?

There are two key differences.

First, you do not need a criminal conviction for CPS to put your name on the Central Registry. Even if you are only accused and CPS finds the allegation is supported by their investigation, you could be added. In fact, you could be placed on the registry even if your case never even goes to court.

Second, the Central Registry is not open to the public. Only certain people such as CPS workers, law enforcement, and licensed agencies can see it. Still, future changes in the law could make the registry public.

What is Wyatt’s Law?

Wyatt’s Law is a Michigan proposal that would create the first public registry of convicted child abusers. As things stand now, the CPS registry is private, but Wyatt’s Law aims to make certain information public if someone is criminally convicted of child abuse.

The law sets out a system where felony convictions for first, second, or third-degree child abuse would lead to a ten-year registration. Misdemeanor convictions for fourth or fifth-degree child abuse would mean five years on the registry.

Wyatt, the law’s namesake, was badly injured by his father’s girlfriend, Rachel Edwards, who had two earlier child abuse convictions. Wyatt’s mother, Erica Hammel, could not convince the family court in Macomb County of the risk, partly because she did not have access to Rachel’s record. Wyatt suffered permanent brain damage, and since then, Erica has worked to change the law.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed Wyatt’s Law, and it will change how Michigan handles child abuse records in the future. Our attorneys are keeping an eye on how these changes are put into practice.

Have You Been Placed on the Central Registry?

If your name is added to the registry, CPS must notify you in writing. This notice, which comes by certified mail or in person, will include:

Confirmation that your name was added
The legal reason and the facts behind the decision
Who is allowed to access your information
Your right to ask for a copy of your case record
Your right to appeal the placement
Instructions for how to request to have your name removed

If you receive this kind of letter, do not wait to take action. There are time limits, so contact our Lansing-based CPS defense attorneys right away. We work with clients throughout Mid-Michigan, including Eaton County, Livingston County, and Ingham County.

Can I Have My Name Removed from the Central Registry?

Yes, Michigan law allows you to request to have your name removed from the Central Registry. This must be done in writing to the DHHS Director in the county where the CPS investigation happened.

If your request is denied, you will be given a hearing to challenge the CPS findings. DHHS bears the burden of proving that your name belongs on the Registry. If a judge finds that abuse or neglect was not proven, your name can be taken off the registry.

Important Deadline

If your name was added to the registry after March 31, 2015, you must ask for removal within 180 days of getting the notice. You might get up to 60 more days for a good reason, but if you wait too long, you could lose your right to challenge the placement.

We Can Help. Call The Kronzek Firm Today

The attorneys at The Kronzek Firm have years of experience helping clients with CPS investigations, appeals, and defending against false allegations throughout Michigan. We know the law, the courts, and how to stand up to CPS overreach.

If you are in Lansing, Ingham County, or anywhere else in Michigan and you have been placed on the Central Registry or worry that you might be, call us today at (800) 576-6035.

You do not have to face CPS on your own. We will stand by your side and protect your rights, your reputation, and your family.