Requesting CWS Records

Requesting records from Humboldt County CWS

Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Sections 827 and 827.10 defines which entities/individuals are authorized to obtain CWS information without a court order, and when a court order is required. Individuals who are eligible to receive or inspect CWS records under WIC Sections 827 and 827.10 can request those records by submitting a completed and signed “Request for Release of Juvenile Case Record and Declaration in Support of Request” form (A-14-57), marking the box which identifies the criteria they meet for access to the records. If there is a request to release records to an authorized representative of the individual, a completed and signed DPA19 Authorized Representative form must also be provided. 

Please note, all out of state agencies, including out of state child protection agencies, who are requesting records must utilize the appropriate Judicial Council forms (JV-569 through JV-574) and follow the California Rules of Court instructions for filing a petition with the court. For more information on filing a petition with the Humboldt County Superior Court to obtain records, see the Petition for Access to Juvenile Case File Packet (PDF). Out of state agencies, must have their petition granted by the juvenile court before any records can be released.

Completed records request forms can be submitted to CWS via the options listed below:

  • Mailed to Humboldt County Child Welfare Services, 2440 Sixth St., Eureka, CA 95501 (please provide your contact information).
  • Dropped off in person at the main lobby, 2440 Sixth St., Eureka, CA 95501 (please provide your contact information).
  • Emailed to cws-admin@co.humboldt.ca.us (please provide your contact information).
  • Faxed to 707-445-6254 (please provide your contact information).

You can also call the CWS administrative offices at 707-388-6600, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Let staff know that you’d like to make a CWS records request, and they will assist you.

If records exist and are releasable to you, staff will prepare the records and you will be contacted when they are ready. If picking up in person, you will be required to show photo ID. 

All individuals who are not authorized under WIC Sections 827 or 827.10, must utilize the appropriate Judicial Council forms (JV-569 through JV-574) and follow the California Rules of Court instructions for filing a petition with the court. For more information on filing a petition with the Humboldt County Superior Court to obtain records, see the Petition for Access to Juvenile Case File Packet (PDF). Individuals requesting CWS records who are not authorized under WIC 827 or 827.10, must have their petition granted by the juvenile court before any records can be released.