What is a "founded" report of child abuse?

A "founded" report of child abuse refers to a report that has been substantiated through investigation. This means that after a thorough review of the information and circumstances surrounding the claim, investigators have determined that there is enough evidence to support the allegations of abuse or neglect. This categorization is crucial in the context of child protective services, as it indicates that the concerns raised were valid and led to a conclusion that action may need to be taken to protect the child.

The term “founded” implies a level of verification that differentiates it from reports that may be dismissed or unverified, providing clarity on the outcome of the investigation and guiding subsequent interventions or protective measures for the child involved.