Nebraska Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Central Registry

 
6
Safety
Children and Family Services
 
Share facebook icon x icon copy action icon
No
No
Nebraska Law (Rev. Stat. 28-718 and 28-376) states the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) must keep records of persons who DHHS or the courts find responsible for abuse and neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.  DHHS maintains these records in the Nebraska Adult and Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Persons listed on the Nebraska Adult and Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry can request DHHS amend, expunge, or remove the record from the Registry at any time.

​​​​​​Nebraska law requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to maintain records of individuals who have been determined by DHHS or a court to be responsible for child abuse or neglect or the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. These records are maintained in the Nebraska Adult and Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry (Central Registry).

Investigation and Determination

When DHHS completes an investigation, or following a criminal conviction or juvenile court adjudication, DHHS will determine whether the report is substantiated, and the individual will be placed on the Central Registry. 

Central Registry Placement Appeal Process

Before a person's name can be placed on the Central Registry, DHHS will provide written notice of the determination and the individual's right to appeal it.

An individual who disagrees with the Central Registry determination may request an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date on the notice.

If a timely appeal is requested:

  • The individual's name will not be placed on the Central Registry while the appeal is pending.
  • DHHS's Hearing Office will conduct a hearing to determine whether the evidence is sufficient to support the Central Registry entry.
  • The Hearing Office will issue a final decision after the appeal hearing.

If an appeal is not requested within the required timeframe, the individual will be entered on the Central Registry at that time, and an additional notification will be sent.

Expungement, Amendment, or Removal

Individuals who have been entered on the Central Registry may request that DHHS review their record for amendment, expungement, or removal. Requests for expungement or removal may be submitted at any time after placement on the Central Registry.

Nebraska law allows DHHS to amend, expunge, or remove a record upon good cause shown and after providing any notice required by law.

Expungement Appeal Process

If DHHS denies an individual's request for expungement from the Central Registry, the individual can request an Expungement Appeal hearing by emailing dhhs.CRreview@nebraska.gov. Information on how to request an Expungement Appeal will also be on the letter received.

Central Registry Checks

The Department is required by Nebraska law to maintain the Central Registry. The Central Registry contains records related to substantiated findings of abuse or neglect involving children or vulnerable adults. The Central Registry is used to complete background checks for certain employment, licensing, volunteer, caregiving, and adoption-related purposes involving vulnerable adults or children.

Legal Authority: See the Public Guidance Document​

​

Central Registry

​Central Registry Placement Appeal

​Expungement

Contact Us

Central Registry Staff
Phone Number
(402) 471-9272
Mailing Address
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509