Cross district comparison of applications to research ethics committees

Abstract

A regional study of the mental health needs of young offenders was proposed in which adolescents aged 13 to 17 were to be identified by health, social, and juvenile justice agencies. They were to be studied by means of a social and psychiatric interview, an educational assessment, an interview with staff, a postal questionnaire from parents, and a study of notes. The regional health authority identified 14 ethics committees. Approval for the study was obtained from one committee in advance. Applications were then sent to the remainder, informing them that this was a cross district study and that one committee had already given approval.