For purposes of these rules the following terms have the meanings indicated:
(1) "Administrative act" means an act, decision recommendation, or omission made by a:
- (a) Government agency or its contracting entity; or
(b) State-licensed, or state-certified, agency or facility, that affects:
- (i) A child who was, is, or may be, in need of state protection due to child abuse or neglect;
- (ii) A family who was, or is, under state supervision or receiving state services due to allegations or findings of child abuse or neglect; or
- (iii) A child who was, is, or may be in need of services under RCW 13.32A.030;
(c) Provided that, an administrative act does not include a specific act, decision, recommendation, or omission made by:
- (i) A judge, commissioner, administrative law judge, hearing examiner, attorney, court-appointed special advocate, guardian ad litem, or parenting investigator in a legal or adjudicative proceeding;
- (ii) A law enforcement official in a criminal investigation;
- (iii) A member of the legislature or the member's staff; or
- (iv) The governor or the governor's staff.
- (2) "Child abuse or neglect" means child abuse, neglect, or abandonment, or parental incapacity, as defined in RCW 13.34.030(4) and 26.44.020.
- (3) "Committee" means the legislative children's oversight committee.
- (4) "Confidential" refers to information that the ombudsman determines is protected by federal or state law from public disclosure or further dissemination.
- (5) "Department" or "DSHS" means the department of social and health services.
(6) "Family and children's services" are services provided by or through the department or other government agencies, or state-licensed agencies, to:
- (a) Children who are, or may be, at risk of child abuse or neglect, and their families;
- (b) Children and families who are the subject of allegations or findings of child abuse or neglect; or
- (c) Children who are, or may be, in need of services under chapter 13.32A RCW.
- (7) "Investigative records" refers to all records generated by OFCO, confidential records obtained or held by OFCO, or materials obtained by OFCO from complainants or witnesses.
- (8) "OFCO" refers to the office of the family and children's ombudsman.
- (9) "Ombudsman" refers to the director of the office of family and children's ombudsman.
- (10) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.06A.030(8). WSR 00-23-046, § 112-10-020, filed 11/13/00, effective 12/14/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.06A.030(6). WSR 00-05-036, § 112-10-020, filed 2/10/00, effective 3/12/00; WSR 97-21-066, § 112-10-020, filed 10/14/97, effective 11/14/97.]