When is a report classified as "Preponderance of the Evidence or Substantiated"?

A report is classified as "Preponderance of the Evidence or Substantiated" when there is clear evidence of abuse or neglect. This classification indicates that the evidence presented demonstrates that it is more likely than not—meaning there is a greater than 50% chance—that abuse or neglect occurred. In this context, clear evidence consists of specific facts, testimonies, or documentation that support the claim of abuse or neglect, which allows authorities to move forward with intervention and support for the child involved.

The other options reflect scenarios where evidence does not meet the threshold for substantiation. For instance, inconclusive evidence does not provide a definitive answer regarding the occurrence of abuse or neglect, leaving the situation unresolved. When the perpetrator is unknown, it complicates the ability to substantiate a report as there must typically be an identified individual for accountability. Weak evidence similarly fails to support the claim robustly enough to classify it as substantiated, as it does not reach the level of certainty required in these cases.