Home > Decision-Making in Unsubstantiated Child Protective Services Cases: Synthesis of Recent Research > Decision-Making in Unsubstantiated Child Protective Services Cases: Synthesis of Recent Research: 1 - Introduction

Decision-Making in Unsubstantiated Child Protective Services Cases: Synthesis of Recent Research
Grantee Lessons Learned

Author(s):  Children's Bureau (DHHS)

Year Published:  2003

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1 - Introduction 2 - Findings 3 - Implications 4 - Recommendations for Future… 5 - Conclusion

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1 - Introduction

In the year 2000, nearly twice as many referrals to child protective services (CPS) were unsubstantiated as substantiated.¹ However, many of the children in unsubstantiated cases become the subjects of subsequent CPS referrals. In a sample of 35,000 CPS cases in Missouri, three-quarters of the children who were referred to CPS two or more times—including child fatalities—had cases that were initially unsubstantiated.² The decision to unsubstantiate a referral does not guarantee a child's safety from future harm. To better protect children, decision-making and outcomes in unsubstantiated CPS cases warranted closer review.

The meaning and use of the terms "substantiated" and "unsubstantiated" vary by State. For the purposes of this synthesis, "substantiated" means an investigation by child protective services determined there is reasonable cause to believe that the child has been abused or neglected. "Unsubstantiated" means an investigation determined no maltreatment occurred, or there was insufficient evidence under State law or agency policy to conclude that the child was maltreated. In deciding to substantiate a referral, some States require the caseworker to determine not only whether a specific incident of abuse or neglect occurred, but also whether the child is at risk of future maltreatment.

To further explore this issue, the Children's Bureau awarded three research grants in 1998 on unsubstantiated CPS cases (detailed in Figure 1). The studies' findings respond to two key questions: (1) What factors influence the decision to substantiate or unsubstantiate a CPS referral? and (2) How does that decision impact outcomes for children? In an effort to share with the field the knowledge gained from these studies, this paper synthesizes their findings around these two questions and presents some of the researchers' suggestions for practical implications and future research. Readers are encouraged to read the full reports. A full-text version of each final report, containing additional findings not discussed here, is available by calling Child Welfare Information Gateway at 800.394.3366 or Emailing info@childwelfare.gov.

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2002). Child Maltreatment 2000. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, p. 9. back
² Drake, p. 174. back

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Updated on October 9, 2009