Make the child abuse registry public information
The Issue
My heart breaks thinking about the trauma my child endured at the hands of those who were supposed to care for them. Despite the severity of the abuse, the legal system allowed plea deals that essentially wiped away any lasting consequence. These perpetrators can now pass background checks by not holding them accountable for barrier crimes, making it possible for them to work in environments with other children.
This is not just a personal issue; it's a systemic problem that endangers countless children across the nation. Currently, sex offenders are on a public registry, a tool we use to protect ourselves and our children. Yet those who have committed child abuse are not similarly tracked. This leaves parents, schools, and organizations blind to the potential dangers lurking in their trusted circles.
According to a report by the Children's Bureau, approximately 4.4 million referrals involving about 7.9 million children were made to child protection services in 2020 alone in the United States. This alarming number underscores the urgent need for a public child abuse registry. It is a critical measure that can help safeguard our communities and ensure that those who have committed such heinous acts are held accountable not just legally, but also socially and professionally.
We propose a public central child abuse and neglect registry, much like the sex offender registry. This would serve as a vital tool for potential employers, schools, and anyone responsible for placing individuals in positions of authority and trust over children. Such transparency ensures that children are protected from those with a history of abuse, and provides peace of mind to parents and guardians as they make decisions about who interacts with their children.
Children deserve safety, respect, and love. By implementing a public registry, we can transform our communities into safer spaces and prevent future abuse from happening. This petition demands attention from lawmakers and child protection agencies to implement such a registry system, increasing accountability and transparency.
Join us in calling for change. Sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to prioritize our children’s safety by making the child abuse registry public. Together, we can make a difference for children and families everywhere.
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The Issue
My heart breaks thinking about the trauma my child endured at the hands of those who were supposed to care for them. Despite the severity of the abuse, the legal system allowed plea deals that essentially wiped away any lasting consequence. These perpetrators can now pass background checks by not holding them accountable for barrier crimes, making it possible for them to work in environments with other children.
This is not just a personal issue; it's a systemic problem that endangers countless children across the nation. Currently, sex offenders are on a public registry, a tool we use to protect ourselves and our children. Yet those who have committed child abuse are not similarly tracked. This leaves parents, schools, and organizations blind to the potential dangers lurking in their trusted circles.
According to a report by the Children's Bureau, approximately 4.4 million referrals involving about 7.9 million children were made to child protection services in 2020 alone in the United States. This alarming number underscores the urgent need for a public child abuse registry. It is a critical measure that can help safeguard our communities and ensure that those who have committed such heinous acts are held accountable not just legally, but also socially and professionally.
We propose a public central child abuse and neglect registry, much like the sex offender registry. This would serve as a vital tool for potential employers, schools, and anyone responsible for placing individuals in positions of authority and trust over children. Such transparency ensures that children are protected from those with a history of abuse, and provides peace of mind to parents and guardians as they make decisions about who interacts with their children.
Children deserve safety, respect, and love. By implementing a public registry, we can transform our communities into safer spaces and prevent future abuse from happening. This petition demands attention from lawmakers and child protection agencies to implement such a registry system, increasing accountability and transparency.
Join us in calling for change. Sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to prioritize our children’s safety by making the child abuse registry public. Together, we can make a difference for children and families everywhere.
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Petition created on September 30, 2026