Contacts
Gabriella K. Eisner; Records Access Officer
The Details of Department of Developmental Services Public Records
What you need for Department of Developmental Services Public Records
“An Act to Improve Public Records” took effect on June 3, 2016, enhancing public access to information. Learn more about how you can request and access public records from the Department of Developmental Services. Please read the information below to ensure the most accurate and timely response to your request.
Please note, the information you seek may already be available online at the Department’s website.
How to request Department of Developmental Services Public Records
Requests can be made through our public records portal.
Next steps for Department of Developmental Services Public Records
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Before You Submit a Public Record Request (PRR)
Before You Submit a Public Record Request
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- Consider how you might narrow the scope of your request to make the production process faster
- Consider how you might exclude records that contain personally identifiable information that will require careful redactions (this adds to the length of the production process)
- Know that the first 4 hours of work performed for your PRR are free. After that, the agency may charge up to $25 per hour
- Be as specific as possible in your request
- Check the Department’s website to determine if the information you are requesting is online
What is NOT a public record
- Before submitting a Public Records Request, please note the following are NOT public records:
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- Individual’s records
- Documents pertaining to a DDS investigation
- DDS group home addresses
- Personnel files
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If you would like to request an individual’s file, please fill out the form at this link.
If you would like to request an investigation report, please fill out the form at this link.
If you are unable to submit using the forms, send your request to DDS.FileRequest@mass.gov
Public records may be subject to redaction or withheld if they contain information:
- that may not be disclosed by law
- exempt under the public records law
- subject to other legally applicable privileges
How to submit a request
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services encourages you to use the form below to make a public records request (PRR) of the Department of Developmental Services.
Submit a public records request
Individual’s records and investigation records are not public records. If you wish to obtain a copy of a DDS individual’s records or investigation records, please fill out the forms below. For any additional questions email: DDS.FileRequests@mass.gov.
Submit a request for an individual’s records
Submit a request for investigation records
More info for Department of Developmental Services Public Records
“An Act to Improve Public Records” took effect on June 3, 2016, enhancing public access to information.
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services encourages you to use the appropriate form to make a public records request (PRR) of the Department of Developmental Services. This helps to ensure the most expeditious and accurate response to your request. Otherwise, written requests may be delivered by hand, mail, email or fax (if available). While requests for public records may be made orally in person to an RAO, such requests may not be the subject of an appeal. Telephone requests may be accepted at the discretion of the RAO.Contact for Department of Developmental Services Public Records
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