Guide :: Informed Consent :: Special Consent :: Parent Consent
Parent Consent/ Child Assent
Why can’t children/ minors consent for themselves?
Consent is a legal term. In most states in the United States, an individual cannot consent for him or herself until he or she is 18. For international studies, some cultures may accept that an individual may consent for him or herself at an earlier age, or may require parental consent past 18 years. Thus the age in which one can consent to participate in a study is determined by the legal and cultural definition for consent in the jurisdiction of the study. In some situations there may be exceptions; for example a minor who is married may be “emancipated” from parental consent. A minor who is a parent may be able to consent for his or her child but cannot consent for him or herself. If a child does not have a parent or legal guardian and is a ward of the state, a state appointed representative can consent for the child.
What forms should I use?
Parents should be contacted about the study before you can approach a child about participating in a study. In a general parent/ child consent process, the parent receives a parent version of the consent form, while the child receives an assent form. The parent should sign the consent form first before the child signs the assent form. Each form should be written to the comprehension level of the target audience. Children under seven are not required to sign an assent form but the researcher should explain to the child what will happen and ask if they want to participate. (Please see the Parent Consent/Child Assent template to help you in drafting your consent documents. The template is meant to serve as a guide, thus it is appropriate for you to modify the text so that it accurately describes your study.)
In some studies, the parent may act as a participant in the study as well as allowing their child to participate. If so, it may be necessary to provide a separate consent form document that more clearly explains what the parent will do as a participant in the study (although one consent document can usually provide adequate information). Also, if the study requires that you provide additional forms (i.e. materials release forms, debriefing documents), you should provide a parent version as well as a child version.
Please note: If you are conducting a study in an educational setting (i.e. private school, public school), there are additional guidelines for constructing consent procedures. Please see the Education section for more information.
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