Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children and Young Adults

Since the publication of Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children (DCYA, 2012) Ireland has witnessed significant developments in the legal and policy landscape. Notably, the enactment of the Children First Act 2015 (Government of Ireland, 2015) introduced statutory child protection reporting obligations for professionals, including researchers. Additionally, the increasing incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into national policy has strengthened children’s right to be heard (Article 12 UNCRC). These changes have prompted a shift towards more participatory, inclusive, and rights-based approaches in research involving children and young people.

In light of these developments, The Department of Children, Disability, and Equality commissioned researchers at Stranmillis University College to undertake a comprehensive programme of work to produce an updated and enhanced guidance document.

The Guidance for Developing Ethical Research Projects Involving Children and Young Adults is designed to be read by policy makers commissioning or funding research involving children and young people as participants, and researchers seeking to do work with or for policy makers where the research will involve children and young people.

This guidance is informed by findings from this consultation process and evidence review, which are detailed in the companion document Co-Creating Ethical Research: A Framework Informed by Babies, Children, Young People, and Adults.