Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Early Care Regulation
Child Care Certification Policy Manual
The certification agency and/or records / legal custodian may find the DOJ Compliance Outline and/or DOJ Division of Legal Services public records webinar helpful in developing its own procedures for open records requests:
Wisconsin Public Records Law - Compliance Outline
or
Office of Open Government - Resources
Typically, when an agency fulfills an open records request, the agency provides a complete copy of the agency’s record, in person or by mail, to the requestor, with confidential information either removed or redacted. Depending on the request and agency policy / procedure, the records custodian typically plays a role in fulfilling open records requests.
When an agency receives an open records request it is most useful to ask / determine:
Does a responsive record exist?
Is there an absolute right of access?
Is access absolutely denied?
Does the balancing test apply (see Section 2.7)?
As stated previously in this module, the certification agency is responsible for developing its own policies and procedures for responding to open records and/or media requests. Considerations in developing policies and procedures may include (not requirements):
Clarifying the document request.
Locating the record.
Determining who should fulfill the open records request.
Redacting information that may not be shared with requestor.
Inspecting a record on agency premise.
Responding to legislative inquires.
Effective 10/1/18, records request related to background checks conducted by the department may be forwarded to DCF. For more information, see the DCF Public Records Notice web page.
Access to or copies of DCF records may be requested by email, in writing, by telephone, or in person. Requesters are encouraged to include their name and contact information, state how they wish to receive requested records, and describe requested records as precisely as possible. Appropriate records release authorizations or other access authorization information must be provided for records that are confidential by law. If necessary, to respond to a public records request, DCF staff may contact the requester for clarification of the request. To submit a public records request:
Email the request to dcfrecordsrequest@wisconsin.gov
Send the request in writing to Records Custodian, 201 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53708
Telephone (608) 422-7060
Request the records in person at the Department of Children and Families, 201 West Washington Avenue, Madison WI 53708. Records may be requested Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This page last updated 01/2021.