Child protective services, CPS, investigation resulted in an inconclusive report, what are the consequences in WA state.

I agree with Mr. Kaman's answer. "Unfounded" is like when a person being charged with a crime has an airtight alibi, or in a CPS case, it was a call by someone who did it for spite and the event didn't happen or it wasn't your kid. "Inconclusive," on the other hand, generally means something probably happened that maybe shouldn't have or no way to know why, but a reasonable explanation is given, like you have. For example, had your son been out and about for several hours without anyone looking for him, that would be probably founded and investigated further, as the issue becomes OK, accidents happen and he got out, but if no one was looking for him then it becomes a more serious issue, like he's not being watched at all. Another example is let's say a parent says a child reported that the child is being choked at other parents house. CPS investigates and dad explains that they were playing and imitating wrestling moves in a public place. No marks or evidence of trauma. CPS looks into it, talks to the kid, and finds "inconclusive" -- meaning something happened, but not enough to show neglect or abuse.

Like Mr. Kaman said, it doesn't effect you anymore than being investigated for a crime. It can become an issue if it becomes an ongoing problem. CPS keeps records of calls and investigations and enough can lead to more thorough investigation if other events happen. For example, we had a case here in Spokane, where a young child was wandering around for hours and it was dark out. Mom had prior problems and didn't want to admit she hadn't been watching the child.