applicability of these findings to cases investigated by Canadian child welfare services has not been
established. Although there were clear and statistically significant differences in the proportion of
substantiated versus unsubstantiated cases presenting with caregiver risk factors such as alcohol,
drugs, and mental health concerns, along with differences in poverty-related need in the current
study, longitudinal research is required to assess the extent to which outcomes differ over the
longer term between substantiated and unsubstantiated investigated children in Canada. As noted
by Khol et al. (2009), it may be the degree of difference rather than the existence of statistically
significant differences that should guide thinking about the distinction between substantiated and
unsubstantiated cases and the need for service