- The entity requesting to do research must complete an Application to Conduct Research/Study form (Form MO 886-4454). Related information must accompany the application including:
- Written positions of any Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that may have reviewed the study proposal.
- Copies of any proposed informed consent forms which are subject to approval of the CD. Each research project is unique in at least some aspect and the form should be customized to each project. Consent forms must address the following: Youth in CD custody must, if capable, sign an informed consent participation agreement regardless of the level of their participation if they are at all involved with the research project. Among the study participation parameters, CD youth must understand their ability to opt out after they have begun participation if they initially consent to participating. They must understand that participation is not compulsory and that making a decision not to participate will not be held against them. Guardians (i.e. foster parent, prospective adoptive parent, Children’s Service Worker, etc.) must also sign an informed consent form.
- If the request to conduct research is received in the circuit, the Regional Director must forward the completed application, related documents, and recommendation, if desired, to the CD Research Committee at the address set forth below for approval consideration.
- The committee (appointed by the Division Director) from Central Office will review the proposal and consider:
- Whether the entity completed the application and submitted relevant materials according to guidelines established by DSS and CD.
- The Regional Director’s recommendation, when required.
- Whether the research proposal is a bona fide request. Defined in RSMo. Section 210.150.2 (13), a bona fide request is from any person who is a tenure-track or full-time research faculty member at an accredited institution of higher education engaged in scholarly research, with the permission of the director.
- Whether the research is being conducted for bona fide purposes and has the potential to advance child welfare practice including childcare, in Missouri.
- Whether the research involves the use of Protected Health Information (PHI), i.e. Social Security Number (SSN), Departmental Client Number (DCN), Date of Birth (DOB), or client name.
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