(1) Sections 7d to 7i govern the director's decisions to release specified information from child protective services records.

    (2) The director shall release specified information in a child abuse or neglect case in which a child who was a part of the case has died.

    (3) The director may designate another individual to act for the director under sections 7d to 7i, and a reference to the director under those sections applies to an individual designated by the director.

    (4) For the purposes of sections 7d to 7i, a child's best interest shall be determined based on all of the following:

    (a) Protection of the child's safety.

    (b) Preservation of the child's physical, mental, and emotional health.

    (c) Consideration of the child's likelihood of establishing a successful and timely permanent family and community relationship.

    (5) Sections 7d to 7i do not subject a report or record that is confidential under this act to disclosure under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.