Under Kansas law, citizens have the right to access public records. The
Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) dictates what records are open to the public.
Access to Open Records
You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records that the Kansas Department for Children and Families maintains that are not otherwise exempt from disclosure by the KORA.
The KORA does not require DCF to answer questions or prepare reports. The department is only required to provide public records that already exist. There is no requirement to create a record at your request.
You will be charged a reasonable fee, not exceeding actual cost, for the staff time required in processing your request and a fee of $0.25 per page for copying. An additional charge may be assessed for supervision, faxing and computer searches. Payment is required prior to requested records being made available.
DCF will respond to your request for public records by the end of the third business day from when your written request was received. If more than three business days are required to complete your request you will be notified. Additional time may be needed due to the volume of records requested, complicated request parameters, unresolved legal issues, difficulty in accessing certain public records or for other practical reasons.
If we do not receive a response within 30 days of providing a time and cost estimate for your requested information, DCF will administratively close your KORA request without further notice and you will need to resubmit a new request if you still seek that information.
Your request may be denied in whole or in part. If the request is denied, DCF will identify generally the records denied, and the specific legal authority for the denial.
What Records are Available
Most records maintained by public entities are open for public inspection and copying. Records commonly requested include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Statutes
- Regulations
- Policies
- Salaries of Public Officials
- Final Agency Budget Documents
Exemptions to the Kansas Open Records Act
DCF recognizes that certain records contain private or privileged information. Exceptions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Certain personnel information of public employees
- Medical treatment records
- Records protected by the attorney-client privilege or an attorney work product
- Records closed by the rules of evidence
- Records containing personal information
- Notes and preliminary drafts
- Criminal investigations
- Records otherwise required by law to be confidential
A list of additional exceptions can be found at K.S.A. 45-221.
How to Request a Public Record
You can obtain access to DCF public records by submitting the online form below. Please be as specific as possible in describing the public record you wish to obtain. Supporting documentation may attached using the form.
You may also file a KORA request by mail, fax or in person to the Public Information Officer. Use this
printable form for your convenience.
By Mail or in Person:
DCF Public Information Officer
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Office of the Secretary
555 S. Kansas Avenue, 6th Floor
Topeka, KS 66603