Shawn Degnan v. Department of Children and Families (SPR 20253213)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records November 5, 2025 SPR25/3213 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 Shawn Degnan 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 October 13, 2025, Mr. Degnan requested, “... copies of records pertaining to myself … includ[ing]:” [1] All 51B reports involving my name … [;] [2] All letters stating the outcome of any 51B investigations; [3] Any Family Action Plans created by DCF; [4] Any DCF case worker “dictation” notes, including notes or summaries of communications DCF workers had with me, … or any third parties regarding my case; and [5] Any case closing letters or summaries associated with my file. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Degnan petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/3213, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Department has provided a response. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Mr. Degnan with a response to his request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) 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. Mr. Degnan may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) 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. SPR25/3213 Page 2 November 5, 2025 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Shawn Degnan