Human Subjects   Key Issues: Vulnerable Populations (cont.) 20 of 26
   

Children

When children are research subjects, the study procedures must provide for obtaining the consent of the child's legal representative (parent or guardian) first, and then the assent of the child.

If either the parent/guardian or the child refuses to participate, the child cannot be a subject in the study.

Most research involving children requires review by the IRB at a convened meeting. Additional protections apply to children who are wards of the state.