The definitions set forth in chapter 42.56 RCW shall apply to this chapter. The following definitions also apply to this chapter.

"Authorization" means a detailed document that gives the department permission to use or disclose confidential information records for specified purposes.

"Client" means a person who receives services or benefits from the department.

"Department" means the department of children, youth, and families. Where appropriate, "department" also may refer to the officials and employees of the department of children, youth, and families.

"Disclosure" means inspection or copying of public records, unless the record is exempt from disclosure by law.

"Public records" includes any writing, as defined in RCW 42.56.010, containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. Almost all records held by an agency relate to the conduct of government; however, some do not. A purely personal record having no relation to the conduct of government is not a "public record." While the contents of the personal record might not be a public record, a transaction of the record itself may be.

"Public records officer" or "PRO" means the designated person for the department who oversees all records requests under RCW 42.56.580. This person is identified in the Washington state register.

"Redact" means to edit from a released record information that is exempt from disclosure to the public, by covering over the information with black ink or other method without deleting the information from the original record.