Release Forms

A few weeks ago I had mentioned I would talk about release forms, the Freedom of Information Act. Today is the day. Depending on what kind of information you are requesting will determine what path you will venture down. After figureing out what type of information you are looking for contact the agency or business.

Example 1:  Information on Emmanuel Cote who worked for the Lewiston Fire Department from the 1920's-1950's.

Path: Emailed them from the Lewiston Fire Department. After asking around they found  copy of his Employee File and released it to me. No release form signed.

Rationale: I was  a relative and the informaiton sought was not of a 'protected' or 'senstive' nature. Lewiston File Department mailed me a copy of his file.

 

Information Obtained: Upong looking through the file, there were a few photo's attached to his file that was also color copied. It showed his progression through the ranks of service. It also contained and personally signed letters.

Example 2: Emmanuel Cote's sister, Josephine Cote, was admitted to Augusta Mental Health Institute.  

Path: Contacted via phone Medical Records. They sent me a next of kin form. Filled it out, signed it and mailed it back. After about 3 months an envelope arrived with Josephine's life during her stay.

 

Rationale: Medical Records and Military Records require legal release forms to be signed in order to obtain sensitive information. I was not the next of kin; she has a brother Alexandre Cote alive in Hartfort, Connecticut. Efforts proved unsuccessfuin attempting to contact Alex.  For hospital records and there are many children it can prove to be a challenge when one or more do not consent.

 

Reading: Freedom of Information Act: When obtaining from a government agency such as the Military, access will be allowed under this law.
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For obtaining Military/Veteran records it will depend on what period you are seeking. If you are looking for a record over 60 years old (before 1950) it will be available to the public and you can request it here. If it is less then 60 years old (after 1950) you may need a next of kin signature. For those who are interested into military reocords or have a decorated (received some medal or award) you may be able to order a replacement at the Veteran Service Records.