PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REQUESTS
Right of Public Access
The public has a general right to inspect and/or obtain copies of public records maintained by state and local agencies pursuant to the Public Records Act (PRA). While many records are accessible, the PRA as well as other statutes may preclude disclosure of records including, but not limited to, specified personnel records, medical records, and records prepared in connection with pending litigation. The Department may need to review requested records to determine if an exemption applies before a record may be inspected or copied.
Public Records
A public record is any writing (paper documents and electronic information) maintained by a state agency in the conduct of its official business.
Controlling Law
The California Constitution, California Public Records Act, (Government Code Section 7920.000 et seq.) and the Legislative Open Records Act. The Federal Freedom of Information Act (5 USC Section 552 et seq.) covers federal government agencies.
The Department is authorized to charge the requestor fees for copying records or extracting information. The Department will notify the requestor of the applicable fee and the requestor is required to pay the fee prior to receiving the requested records. Copying charges are ten (10) cents per page.
Public records may be inspected at the Department during normal working hours if the records are accessible and not subject to an exemption from disclosure. Government Code Section 7922.535 requires the Department within 10 days of receipt of the request to determine whether the request, in whole or in part, seeks copies of disclosable public records and to provide the records within a reasonable time thereafter.
Exception: Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) filed by certain employees are available for public inspection at any time during regular business hours.
A request for a public record should be specific and detailed to the extent possible. The Department will assist the requestor in identifying records that contain the requested information. A public record request is not required to be in writing, but it is helpful in expediting the request. Oral requests for public records may be confirmed in writing to clarify understanding of the request and to create a tracking record for the request. Please make sure you include contact information so that the Department can contact you about your request.
The primary recipient of public record requests within the Department is the Office of Legal Services. Written requests must be sent to the following mailing address:
California Department of Child Support Services
Office of Legal Services
P.O. Box 419064
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741
Requests for public records should be specific, focused and detailed so records can be identified, located, and retrieved sufficiently.
Information About Your Case
Documents containing personal information about your case are confidential and are not public records. If you have a child support case managed by a child support agency and seek information or documents on your own personal account, please contact the office by:
- Sending an email through your Customer Connect account
- Calling 1-866-901-3212
- Visiting the child support agency that manages your case. Office locations and contact information are available on our Find A Local Office page