Mississippi courts can list convicted parents and guardians in abuse registry

Courts may place a convicted parent or guardian on the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services’ abuse and neglect registry. This authority covers parents and guardians convicted of a crime under Section 97-5-39, which covers child abuse, neglect, and endangerment. The person must have committed physical or sexual abuse serious enough to count as a felony, or neglect that threatens a child’s life. If a circuit court orders listing, it must include the requirement in its judgment and send a copy to child protection officials. The registry is confidential and closed to public inspection. The law took effect July 1, 2026.

Court clerks must send a copy of the judgment to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. The duty concerns circuit court convictions and youth court decisions under the child abuse and neglect registry rules. Adding a name to the registry requires a criminal conviction or a court decision ordering the person’s name to be listed. Clerks must send the judgment upon the conviction or youth court decision. The law took effect July 1, 2026.

A person who knowingly allows continuing physical or sexual abuse, or felonious neglect, of a child may face prison, a fine, or both. The rule covers parents, legal guardians, and other people. Felonious neglect means neglect that counts as a felony, a serious crime. The person must knowingly permit the conduct. A child means someone under 18, excluding anyone who is married or serving on active duty in the armed forces. The law took effect July 1, 2026.