Keeping Daughter Safe From Deadbeat Dad

My daughter is three years old and her "father" has never had any contact with nor has he ever wanted to. He has never paid child support nor have I ever sought child support from him. He is a convicted felon of very violent crimes such as armed robbery etc. He is currently in prison but will be released on parole this April. Though he has never said it I am scared that he might try to gain visitation or joint custody of her when he gets out. I have loved and cared for my daughter her entire life and fear for her safety if he were to ever see her.

He has stated in the past that if he were to ever get to see her that he would take her away so that I would never see her again. I am wondering if there are any ways that I can protect myself and my beautiful daughter from this violent man. Her safety is my top priority and I am wondering if the courts would even consider giving him any rights to her because he does not deserve to be in her life. What are my rights as her mother in keeping her safe and with me? I am currently in school and work part time in order to support our family. P.S. Does it matter that he has two other kids that he doesn't see or pay child support for? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
S.H.