What is the difference between substantiated and unsubstantiated reports?

What is the difference between substantiated and unsubstantiated reports?

• A. Substantiated means maltreatment was found after investigation.
• B. Substantiated means the report was unfounded.
• C. Substantiated means the investigation concluded maltreatment occurred, while unsubstantiated means not enough evidence.
• D. Substantiated means the investigation found there was not enough evidence to prove maltreatment.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is what the investigators conclude about the claim after reviewing evidence. Substantiated means the investigation found enough evidence to conclude that maltreatment occurred, so the report is supported and protective actions or services may follow. Unsubstantiated means there isn’t enough evidence to prove maltreatment; the allegation isn’t proven, and the case is typically closed unless new information emerges. In other words, substantiated = maltreatment occurred according to the findings, while unsubstantiated = not enough evidence to prove maltreatment. The other statements either misstate what substantiated means or confuse the relationship between evidence and outcome.

The key idea is what the investigators conclude about the claim after reviewing evidence. Substantiated means the investigation found enough evidence to conclude that maltreatment occurred, so the report is supported and protective actions or services may follow. Unsubstantiated means there isn’t enough evidence to prove maltreatment; the allegation isn’t proven, and the case is typically closed unless new information emerges. In other words, substantiated = maltreatment occurred according to the findings, while unsubstantiated = not enough evidence to prove maltreatment. The other statements either misstate what substantiated means or confuse the relationship between evidence and outcome.