In order to be substantiated child maltreatment,_____ must be verified by the authorities.

A) abandonment
B) sexual abuse
C) abuse or neglect
D) multiple incidences

Child maltreatment refers to neglect or abuse of a child that can cause harm to their physical or emotional health. For it to be substantiated, it must be verified by the authorities, meaning that there must be evidence gathered by child protection agencies, law enforcement, or other investigative bodies that confirms that the neglect or abuse occurred. This can include physical evidence, witness statements, or other factors that support the allegations of abuse or neglect. While abandonment and sexual abuse can be forms of child maltreatment, not all instances of these behaviors may be substantiated without proper evidence. Similarly, a single incidence of abuse or neglect may not be enough to substantiate a claim, so multiple occurrences may be necessary to establish a pattern of maltreatment. However, the most important factor is that there is verification by the authorities.