La Sierra University Families Project
Informed Consent

The study you will participate in is designed to help us understand what issues concern families who have a child with mental retardation. It is unique in that it will especially help us learn about the needs of families with African American backgrounds.

The purpose of the research in which you are about to participate is to investigate issues that relate to beliefs about disability, family well being, religion, and use of coping resources such as social services.

Your part in the research involves meeting with a staff interviewer in your home. We will ask many questions and audiotape your answers. The interviews include questions related to beliefs about disability, family well-being, religion and ways in which you meet the challenge of rearing a child with disabilities, although he/she does not need to participate in the interview. You will receive $50 in appreciation for completing the interview. We want you to know that you are free to withdraw from this study at any time with no negative consequences for you or your child.

No attendant risks and/or discomfort are expected. All information you give will be completely confidential. Your identity will not be revealed. Only the Project staff will have access to your file. This information is kept securely in locked files. All participants will be assigned a code number and information will be analyzed on a group basis so that individual confidentiality is assured.

The benefits of this research include: (a) Examining issues that are important to you, (b) contributing to knowledge about the impact of a child with mental retardation on families, (c) communicating findings to the professional community in order that families may be better served, (d) you may obtain a report of the final results if desired.

Do not hesitate to ask questions if anything appears uncertain to you. Dr. Jeannette Rogers-Dulan or members of the project staff, who can be reached at La Sierra University, School of Education, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92515 (909/785-2484 or 785-2203), will answer any questions you have. Any concerns you may wish to discuss, such as your rights, with someone other than our project staff at La Sierra University may be addressed to Dr. David Penner, Dean, School of Education (951) 785-2266.

If you agree to the terms of this study and you have had the opportunity to ask questions and understand the procedure, please sign below.

Signature______________________________________ Date__________________