When an investigation is created, details of the reported allegation that gave rise to the investigation must be recorded. The investigation then conducted by the organization is intended to substantiate or unsubstantiate these allegations. An investigation may include one or more allegations that are reported by a source, who may be anonymous, who believes that individuals have been involved in a situation that requires investigation such as the fraudulent receipt of benefits and/or services, or the abuse or neglect of a child.
Allegations capture details about what is being investigated, for example, Mary Smith alleges that John Smith sexually abused his daughter Linda Smith and that the alleged abuse took place in the home on 16 June 2006.
Mandatory details, such as the type of allegation and date are recorded. Additionally, the allegation location, a description of the allegation, the allegation participants and their roles, date the allegation was reported, and any additional information is recorded if known.
Allegations cannot be added, deleted, or modified from within an investigation that has been submitted for approval, approved, or closed. When an investigation is submitted for approval, it is under review by a supervisor therefore the allegations should remain static until the supervisor decides whether or not to approve the Investigation. No additional allegations can be added to or modified within approved or closed investigations because these investigations are effectively completed.