What is meant by "central registry"?

The term "central registry" refers specifically to a component within the Department's confidential database. This registry is designed to maintain sensitive information that is not open to the general public to ensure privacy and confidentiality concerning personal and case-related data. The central registry serves as a secure location where information relevant to various social service programs, including child protection, can be stored and accessed by authorized personnel only.

This is differentiated from a set of open public records, which are accessible to anyone and typically do not contain confidential or sensitive information. Similarly, while there may be repositories for all social services records, those would not necessarily be confined to the level of confidentiality that a central registry maintains. A local department case file, on the other hand, typically pertains to specific cases and may not encompass the broader role of a central registry, which aggregates various data for systemic oversight and tracking. The nature of the central registry underlines its importance in maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive information in social services.