ACLU-Nebraska: Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself

The hospital reported the burn as suspicious, and the woman was questioned by police and a social worker. No legal action was taken against her. In 2001, the woman learned she was listed on the Child Abuse Registry for “Inconclusive” child abuse when she was turned down for a nursing job. The regulations allowed her to appeal this designation within the Department of Health and Human Services, but the DHHS denied the woman’s request for removal from the Registry. We filed an appeal in the District Court for Lancaster County. The Judge ruled for us, stating: “The failings of the pitiful record in this case go on and on. At best this record is non-existent. At worst, the series of events to which the plaintiff has been subjected exemplifies government at its worst. The executive branch may not have its way at all costs and without regards to the rights of the individual citizen to reason and fairness.” The woman’s name has been ordered off the registry.