Substantiation and early decision points in public child welfare: a conceptual reconsideration.

This article will overview substantiation in the context of early intervention decision points faced in state child welfare. The conceptual complexities underlying these interventions and how substantiation does or does not play a role in these interventions are explored. Specific attention will be given to the voluntary or involuntary nature of services, the availability of evidence, and the past or future orientation of the decision-making process. The conceptual consistency of recent child welfare policies will be explored, and suggestions for policy and research will be put forward.