If the neglect is solely the result of the parent or caretaker s lack of financial means, neglect will not be substantiated. Also, if a parent or caretaker is legitimately practicing his or her religious beliefs by not providing specific medical treatment, neglect shall not be substantiated for that reason alone. In this case, court action may be initiated under Chapter 55, if necessary, to assure the child's well-being. There may be instances in which a child was harmed, but by a person not described above. These cases should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Perpetrator is an individual determined to have committed child abuse or neglect.
Any individual can be substantiated as a perpetrator of sexual abuse. This may or may not include bruises to the skin, depending on the nature and severity of the injury. Physical injury is not abuse when the injury occurred accidentally, that is there was no intention to cause harm or that a reasonable person could not have predicted the harm. In all cases in which there is a non-accidental injury and the district office recommends unsubstantiation, the operations manager will be consulted before that determination is made. In this category, the perpetrator is considered to be the person whose behavior or history poses a risk to the child.