Frequently Asked Questions
How to Request Records from OCFS Under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Under the New York Freedom of Information Law, citizens have a right to inspect many OCFS records not included on our web.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I file a request for information which is not offered on the Internet?
- Is there a specific form I have to use to file a FOIL request?
- What happens to my request when it is received by OCFS?
- How soon can I expect an answer?
- What items are exempt from disclosure?
- List of Agency Records (Subject Matter)
- What is the fee?
How do I file a request for information which is not offered on the Internet?
Some information may be downloaded directly from this website. If you do not find the information you seek here, please send a letter, fax or e-mail to:
Records Access Officer
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
52 Washington Street, Room 305 South
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Fax: (518) 486-7550
E-mail: info@ocfs.state.ny.us
Please be as specific as possible when requesting records, so that we may properly identify which records maintained by the department are responsive to your request. Please also include the return address where you want our response sent.
Is there a specific form I have to use to file a FOIL request?
No. We only require that you submit your request in writing, either by mail, facsimile or e-mail.
What happens to my request when it is received by OCFS?
Your request is given an OCFS FOIL index number, entered into our tracking system and then routed to the region(s) or division(s) within the department where the records you seek reside. This number will appear on all correspondence you receive from OCFS, and will help us to identify your request.
The region or division will then identify and locate the records you have requested. We review them for responsiveness to your request and insure that release of the records complies with the Freedom of Information Law. The materials are photocopied and sections that are determined to be non-releasable are blacked out. Sometimes an answer to a request contains hundreds or thousands of pages, and may take some time to assemble.
How soon can I expect an answer?
The Records Access Officer will mail you an acknowledgment within five days of receipt of your request. In this acknowledgment, we will estimate how long it will take to gather the records you requested. Generally, most requests for records are filled within 30 to 60 days. If you have not received notice of completion of your request within the time estimated in our acknowledgment letter, please feel free to contact us.
What items are exempt from disclosure?
Article 6 of the Public Officers Law, Section 87, includes nine conditions for denial of access. Some of the most common requests received by the Office of Children and Family Services that involve exemption from disclosure are:
- Anything that may result in an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. For example: home telephone numbers, home addresses, and Social Security numbers;
- Anything that may reveal the identity of a child in any of our care modalities—foster care, day care, rehabilitative services (the former Division for Youth), etc.
- Trade secrets - records that if released could cause harm to the competitive position of a business or enterprise;
- Information gathered for law enforcement purposes which, if disclosed, could interfere with due process;
- Lists of names and addresses which would be used for commercial or fund-raising activities.
List of Agency Records (Subject Matter)
In accordance with §87(3)(c) of the Public Officers Law, a detailed current list by subject matter of all records in the possession of the agency, whether or not available under this article is available.
What is the fee?
You will be charged 25 cents per page for photocopying. Please make your check payable to New York State Office of Children and Family Services and record the FOIL index number in the memo section of your check.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at:
Records Access Office
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
52 Washington Street, Room 305 South
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Fax: (518) 486-7550
E-mail: info@ocfs.state.ny.us
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