NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The latest set of records of children who died or nearly died while under the supervision of the state Department of Children's Services were released on Friday, while Chancellor Carol McCoy ordered the next batch of 50 files to be released later this month.
The Tennessean newspaper reports (http://tnne.ws/ZyAcM1 ) that McCoy at a hearing questioned the heavy redaction on 129 of the 1,700 pages, but Janet Kleinfelter of the attorney general's office said privacy laws cover areas like the date of death and the type of medical care provided.
Attorney Robb Harvey, who represents a coalition of news organizations that have sued for access to the records, said the state's interpretation was "overly expansive."
The Tennessean has led the coalition that includes The Associated Press in the legal challenge to the initial refusal by DCS to disclose the records of children who died under the agency's care.
McCoy said the state will turn over the next 50 records on June 26. The judge stood by an earlier ruling that the state could charge up to 50 cents per page.
The state has said it plans to charge about $35,000 for more recent records.
Information from: The Tennessean, http://www.tennessean.com
