Committed to transparency and openness
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is a written request access for government records related to public business or public purposes, or that are in the public interest. The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to transparency and openness.
All FOIA requests must be in writing and describe the records sought in enough detail to allow the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to locate the requested records with reasonable effort. DHSS will make every reasonable effort to assist you in identifying the records being sought. The FOIA coordinator may request additional information to help identify and locate public records to fulfill the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to submit a FOIA request
To submit a request under Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act (29 Del.C. §§ 10001 et seq.):
| Method | Information |
|---|---|
| Online | JustFOIA online portal |
| Delaware Health and Social Services Attention: DHSS FOIA Coordinator 1901 North Dupont Highway New Castle, DE 19720 | |
| Fax | 302-255-4429 |
| DHSS.FOIA@delaware.gov |
How long does it take to receive records after a FOIA request is submitted?
DHSS is required to respond to a FOIA request within 15 business days after receipt of the request. If the response to the FOIA request will take longer because the request is voluminous (a large amount of) records, requires legal review, or the records are in storage or archived and must be retrieved, the deadline may need to be extended. The FOIA coordinator will provide a good-faith estimate of when a response will be provided.
Are there any fees or costs involved with a FOIA request?
Requests exceeding 60 minutes of the lowest paid employee capable of performing the service will incur an administrative fee. There may be fees for copying paper or electronic records. Payment of all fees is required prior to fulfillment of the FOIA request. You will be notified of any fees in responding to your request. See (29 Del.C. §§ 10001 et seq.) for more information about fees and access to records.
What is excluded from FOIA
Certain categories of records are excluded from the definition of public record. For example, trade secrets, investigatory files compiled for civil or criminal law-enforcement purposes, and certain personnel and medical information are exempt. See 29 Del. C. § 10002(o) for a full list of the exemptions.
Where can I learn more about my FOIA request?
For additional information about a specific FOIA request to the Department of Health and Social Services, access the online public portal using the assigned Request Number and Security Key or please contact the FOIA Coordinator at DHSS.FOIA@delaware.gov.
Learn more about FOIA here.
