Re: Statistics on verification of allegations ofchildsexualabuse

["Brett Drake" <brettd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My view, looking at all types of maltreatment, is that we are probably looking at a very small proportion of intentionally false cases (less than ten percent, probably far less), and perhaps another third of cases which are erroneous, but do not represent intentional deception on the part of the reporter.  In the remaining majority of cases, we have situations in which maltreatment or service need exists. While some states substantiate only a small subset of these cases, that should not be taken to mean that there is no maltreatment or need for services in those cases.  If I might cite myself, I would suggest an article titled "Unraveling Unsubstantiated" in _Child Maltreatment_ 1(3), p.261.

-Brett Drake