Following an investigation, states classify child abuse records in a variety of ways, depending on the state's statutory language. Several states maintain all investigated reports of abuse and neglect in their central registries, while other states only maintain substantiated reports. Several due process and protection issues arise when a state maintains a central registry that identifies individuals accused of child abuse or neglect. Persons whose names are listed as alleged perpetrators in a central registry have asserted that the listing of their name in the registry deprives them of a constitutionally protected interest without due process of law. Due to the nature of the interests that may be adversely affected, most states authorize procedures whereby an individual may challenge the validity of a report and, if successful, have the report expunged or deleted from the registry.
Statutes vary as to expungement standards and procedures.
For example, the time specified for the expungement of unfounded or undetermined reports generally ranges from immediately upon determination to 10 years. A few states, however, do not permit unfounded reports to be placed on the registry at all. Many states allow special courtroom procedures for child witnesses who will be traumatized if they are required to testify in court. The particulars of closed-circuit television statutes vary greatly among the states. In some states, the defendant, defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge are all in the room with the child and the jury remains in the courtroom.