A child abuse allegation is a claim that a child has been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused or neglected by a parent or other person. In Arizona family law child abuse allegations are among the most serious issues a court addresses and they significantly affect parenting time and legal decision making determinations.

Child abuse allegations trigger mandatory reporting obligations. If a mandatory reporter has reasonable cause to believe abuse is occurring they must report to DCS. The report triggers a DCS investigation that produces a report which becomes evidence in the family law case.

Unsubstantiated does not mean it did not happen. A DCS investigation that does not find sufficient evidence to substantiate an allegation closes the investigation but does not make a factual finding that the alleged conduct did not occur. In family court that distinction matters. DCS is not a reliable source for determining whether a child is at risk for their safety. A pediatrician is often a professional who can assist with such an evaluation. It is rises to the level of a criminal investigation, most police departments have forensically trained officers to conduct the interviews. ER Departments also usually have such professionals.