The research focused on the investigative procedures used, the factors associated with the decision to substantiate the allegation, and the child protective workers' degree of confidence in their decisions. Results revealed that substantiated cases involved significantly older children, were more likely to involve intrusive types of abuse and minority children, and were less likely to involve a dispute over visitation or custody. Characteristics of the child's disclosure served as the main basis for substantiation decisions, although medical evidence and affective and behavioral indicators also contributed to the decisions. Case workers were less certain of their decisions when allegations involved young children and adolescents and when allegations were made in the context of custody disputes. Investigators rarely used anatomical dolls and drawings and interviewed alleged offenders in fewer than one-fourth of the causes. They obtained medical and law enforcement consultations at a higher rate than mental health consultations. Tables and 40 references (Author abstract modified)