Reporters of abuse or neglect can remain anonymous and are immune from all civil and criminal liability, provided they have made the report in good faith.
Investigations of abuse or neglect may be substantiated or unsubstantiated. The child's safety is the paramount concern for child protective staff conducting assessments. Families receive services based on the severity of the abuse or neglect, an assessment of the child's and the family's needs, and an assessment of the relative safety and risk to the child in the home.
Substantiated: Facts from investigation provide evidence that child abuse or neglect has occurred. (IC 31-9-2-123 http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title31/ar9/ch2.html)
Unsubstantiated: Facts from investigation provide evidence that child abuse or neglect has NOT occurred. (IC 31-9-2-132 http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title31/ar9/ch2.html)