Children (Assent and Permission)

Assent from the child and permission (i.e., consent) from the parents is required for any child that may participate in a research study.

Assent is a child's affirmative agreement to participate in research. Failure for a child to object to participation is not assent. Adequate provisions must be made for soliciting the assent of children when they are capable of providing assent. Age, maturity and the psychological state of the child involved should be taken into account when determining capability. It is generally agreed that children 11 years of age and older should grant assent.

Parental permission is the agreement of a parent(s) or guardian(s) to the participation of their child or ward in a research project. Parental permission is required for those children 17 years of age and younger.