Kelly Woods v. Department of Children and Families (SPR 20252699)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records September 25, 2025 SPR25/2699 Steven S. Treat, Esq. Assistant General Counsel Department of Children and Families 1 Ashburton Place, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02108 Dear Attorney Treat: I have received the petition of Kelly Woods appealing the nonresponse of the Department of Children and Families (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On August 8, 2025, Ms. Woods requested, “... all records maintained by the Department of Children and Families - Cape and Islands Area Office relating to [five identified individuals] [including] … all documents, reports, summaries, internal notes, emails, communications, safety plans, service referrals, case conference documentation, third- party communications, internal decision-making records, ADA-related accommodations, 5lA and 51B reports (and associated findings), police reports (at least 1 known 2024, at least 3 known 2025) and any documentation reflecting involvement by caseworkers, supervisors, or outside contractors between January 1, 2022 and present.” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Ms. Woods petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/2699, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned on September 24, 2025 that the Department intends on providing a written response to Ms. Woods. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Ms. Woods with a response in accordance with the Public Records Law, its Regulations and this order within ten business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Woods may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us

Steven S. Treat, Esq. SPR25/2699 Page 2 September 25, 2025 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Kelly Woods