Referrals are the number of reported allegations of abuse against a resident in a licensed DCS facility that are inquired into, but do not necessarily result in an investigation.
Investigations occur after a thorough inquiry into a referral determines there are reasonable grounds to believe a resident has been abused, or is likely to be abused.
Founded Cases is the number of cases where the investigation determined there were probable grounds abuse occurred.

The Protection for Persons in Care Act is an extra safeguard for patients or residents 16 years of age or older receiving care from Nova Scotia’s hospitals, residential care facilities, nursing homes, homes for the aged or disabled persons under the Homes for Special Care Act."