What Are Substantiated, Inconclusive And Unfounded Reports?

A “substantiated report” is when a law enforcement officer or child welfare worker’s investigation determines that a report of child abuse was “based upon some credible evidence” that abuse or neglect occurred. An “inconclusive” report is when an investigator determines that there is “insufficient evidence” to determine whether a child was abused or neglected. All “substantiated” and “inconclusive” reports are listed on CACI. An “unfounded report” is a report of child abuse found to be false, inherently improbable, accidental, or not to constitute child abuse or neglect. The DOJ is required to notify the individual listed. Most people have not been notified.