Q. Can I use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain information from "health and welfare child protection services" in Idaho and South Dakota?
A. Yes, as a general matter. In Idaho, the Department of Health and Welfare is subject to the state's public records law. Here are instructions about making a request to the Department, as well as a guide to the applicable law. In South Dakota, the Department of Social Services is subject to the state's open records law. For your convenience, here is a request template that you can use.
Keep in mind, however, that certain records are protected from disclosure. For example, you may not be able to access a third party's medical or other personal information without that person's consent. These exemptions are spelled out in each state's law, which are accessible in the links above.