The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Adverse childhood experiences" means the following indicators of severe childhood stressors and family dysfunction that, when experienced in the first eighteen years of life and taken together, are proven by public health research to be powerful determinants of physical, mental, social, and behavioral health across the life span: Child physical abuse; child sexual abuse; child emotional abuse; child emotional or physical neglect; alcohol or other substance abuse in the home; mental illness, depression, or suicidal behaviors in the home; incarceration of a family member; witnessing intimate partner violence; and parental divorce or separation. Adverse childhood experiences have been demonstrated to affect the development of the brain and other major body systems.

(2) "Community public health and safety networks" or "networks" means the organizations authorized under RCW 70.190.060.

(3) "Department" means the department of social and health services.

(4) "Evidence-based" has the same meaning as in RCW 43.216.157.

(5) "Research-based" has the same meaning as in RCW 43.216.157.

(6) "Secretary" means the secretary of social and health services.

(7) "Secretary of children, youth, and families" means the secretary of the department of children, youth, and families.

Explanatory statement—2019 c 64: See note following RCW 1.20.110.

Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

Transition plan—Report to the legislature—2011 1st sp.s. c 32: See note following RCW 70.305.005.