Requirements for Researchers

Administrative Policy Statement 10.13 Requirements for University and Third Party Led Youth Programs establishes safeguards to protect the well-being of youth (individuals under age 18) who come into contact with the University, including University led research.

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect youth from harm. Those who have interactions with youth as part of their UW duties must follow the specific requirements below.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research includes safeguards for “vulnerable populations,” including youth. APS 10.13 establishes additional critical safety and prevention measures that are not addressed by IRB requirements such as background screening, training and conduct expectations for personnel who interact with youth, emergency preparedness and response measures, and more broadly-defined health and safety measures.

APS 10.13 requirements apply to all research, including IRB-approved and exempt research that:

• involves personnel from, or acting as an agent of, the University of Washington;
• includes persons under age 18 (youth) as a subject population; and
• involves in-person or virtual interactions with youth or youth’s personally identifiable data.

Is my study required to comply with APS 10.13?

Even if the IRB determines that a study does not fit the definition of “research,” if youth (persons under age 18) are a human subject population, the study must meet requirements of APS 10.13.

Research activities may take place on campus, off campus, in international locations, or virtually. Virtual interactions require the same level of screening and supervision as do in-person interactions.

Required Steps

These requirements are further detailed in the APS 10.13 Policy Resource Guide. For more information view the Research FAQs.

1. Register your research in the Youth Program Registration System (YPRS). See our Registering Research tutorial here.
   1. NOTE: Be sure to list an accurate start date, and adjust your dates if delays prevent your study from starting as planned.
2. Authorized Personnel must complete screening, training and conduct requirements
   • Licensed medical professionals may request an exemption from the Promoting Safe Interactions with Youth training if they have completed equivalent training.
3. Report suspected child abuse or neglect and behaviors of concern
4. Maintain safe environments
5. Emergency and safety planning and response
6. Follow Privacy Practices
   • IRB approved research is exempt from the Privacy Policy for UW Youth Programs, due to existing IRB privacy notice and consent requirements. All other research is subject to the Privacy Policy for UW Youth Programs.