MS SB2410

Amends Section 43-21-257 to clarify provisions for the Department of Child Protection Services' central registry of abuse and neglect cases, defining "substantiated perpetrator" as requiring criminal conviction, delinquency adjudication, or court order for listing on the registry.

Permits the Department of Child Protection Services to disclose confidential records to private providers (foster homes, residential agencies, health providers, schools) necessary to serve children in departmental care without requiring court order.

Clarifies the Department's authority to access youth court records and release information related to child deaths to comply with federal disclosure requirements, including the child's name, age, gender, and prior reports pertinent to the death.

Authorizes the Department of Child Protection Services to disclose records to state regulatory agencies, prosecutorial agencies, law enforcement, and contractors who agree to maintain confidentiality, and grants the department access to all records involving children subject to abuse or neglect reports.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.