Information Regarding Child and Youth Assent Forms

In order for minors (younger than 18 years of age) to participate in a research study,
parental/guardian or legal authorized representative (LAR) must be obtained. For minors
younger than 7 years of age, written agreement of the child is not required. A child assent form
is used for minors age 7-12, and a youth assent form is used for minors age 13-17. Templates
are provided below to assist you in preparing these forms. Information in italics and enclosed in
parentheses ( ) requires specific details from you and your study; in format, refer to the youth
assent form format. Information in brackets [ ] may not be applicable.

The youth assent form must be written at the appropriate age level and contain simplified
versions of the same elements present in the standard consent form. The heading for this form is:
Youth Assent Form; use Minot State letterhead or equivalent.

Only the minor and the researcher should sign the youth assent form. A parent/guardian or LAR
may be given a copy of the form.

The child assent form must be brief and contain extremely simplistic language written at the
appropriate age level. The heading for this form should be Child Assent Form; use Minot State
letterhead or equivalent.

Only the minor and the investigator obtaining consent should sign the child assent form. The
parent/guardian or LAR of the minor should be given a copy of the assent form.