The Standard of Proof at Adjudication of Abuse or Neglect: Its Influence on Case Outcomes at Key Junctures

Social Work & Social Sciences Review 17(2), 2014 Forthcoming

37 Pages Posted: 27 Sep 2014

See all articles by Ashley Provencher

Ashley Provencher

Siena College

Josh Gupta-Kagan

Columbia Law School

Mary Eschelbach Hansen

American University - Department of Economics

Date Written: September 25, 2014

Abstract

We measure the extent to which the standard of proof a state child protection agency must meet at trial in a child abuse or neglect case influences the outcomes in the case. In the United States, the government of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia sets its own standard of proof. We measure the influence of the standards of proof using survey data. We find that a higher standard of proof — one requiring the government to present clear and convincing evidence of abuse or neglect rather than only requiring a preponderance of the evidence of abuse or neglect — decreases the probability that the judge rules in favor of CPS. A clear and convincing standard also affects decisions before trial: it increases the number of visits made by CPS during an investigation; it lowers the odds that CPS substantiates the case; and it lowers the odds that a case reaches trial. After trial, it increases the probability of an out-of-home placement.

Keywords: child protective services, child welfare, foster care, standard of proof, burden of proof

Suggested Citation

Provencher, Ashley and Gupta-Kagan, Josh and Hansen, Mary Eschelbach, The Standard of Proof at Adjudication of Abuse or Neglect: Its Influence on Case Outcomes at Key Junctures (September 25, 2014). Social Work & Social Sciences Review 17(2), 2014 Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2501772

Ashley Provencher

Siena College ( email )

Loudonville, NY
United States

Josh Gupta-Kagan (Contact Author)

Columbia Law School ( email )

435 West 116th St
NEW YORK, NY 10027

Mary Eschelbach Hansen

American University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20016-8029
United States

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