In a previous blog, we gave you a basic introduction into the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). We told you that  individuals get added to the CACI after reports and/or investigations into child abuse or neglect are conducted. We told you that such reports list a finding as to each allegation as either “Unfounded”, “Inconclusive”, or “Substantiated.” We will now go over with you what each term means and which trigger a listing on the CACI.

First, the term “Unfounded” refers to an allegation that is determined by a social worker (person who conducts the investigation) “to be false, to be inherently improbable, to involve an accidental injury, or not to constitute child abuse or neglect.” If a report and/or investigation finds an allegation to be “Unfounded”, then a person’s name will not be added to the CACI for that specific allegation.

Next, the term “Inconclusive” refers to an allegation that is determined by a social worker “not to be unfounded, but that the findings are inconclusive and there is insufficient evidence to determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.” If a report and/or investigation finds an allegation to be “Inconclusive”, then a person’s name will be added to the CACI for that specific allegation for period of ten years.

Finally, the term “Substantiated” refers to an allegation that is determined by a social worker “to constitute child abuse or neglect based upon evidence that makes it more likely than not that child abuse or neglect occurred.” If a report and /or investigation finds an allegation to be “Substantiated”, then a person’s name will be added to the CACI for that specific allegation for life.

However, it is important to note that if your name is added to the CACI, you have a right to appeal this decision via a grievance review hearing. However, you must send in this request as possible, as it is very time sensitive. Also, it isvital that you hire an aggressive attorney who has experience with CACI matters and the grievance review hearing process because the process can be complicated and difficult.

We hope this gives you some helpful insight into the CACI. If you or a loved one are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect or your name has been added to the CACI, call Wallin and Klarich today. Wallin and Klarich has a team of highly skilled, aggressive CACI and Child Dependency attorneys ready to take your call 7 days week, 24 hours a day! Wallin and Klarich has been in the business of helping people with their CACI and Child Dependency matters for over 30 years and we would like to help you with yours! A qualified, experienced attorney from the firm will be able to evaluate your case when you call.