B3

OMB NO: 0970-0355
EXPIRATION DATE: 01/31/2015

B3. ADES Care Provider faq

Janice K. Brewer Governor

Clarence H. Carter Director

Dear Out-of-Home Care Provider,

Westat, a research company, is asking the young person in your care to take part in a study going on with Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The study is being done by Westat, a company hired by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Please read the following information carefully. It is important that you understand the purpose of the study and what it will involve.

What is a research study?

A study is a way for people to collect information to understand something better.

Why is Westat doing this study?

We want to find out which programs in Arizona help children stay out of foster care or leave foster care sooner. We need the child’s help to find out which services work.

Why are you talking to this child about this study?

DCYF assigned the child (using a random process like a coin flip) to get one of two types of services that are meant to help him or her. No matter which service is assigned, the CPS specialist will make regular visits to your home, refer the child to needed services, and check on how your family is doing. While getting these services, Westat will be studying which services work better in helping families. Part of the study includes conducting interviews with the child.

What am I being asked to do now?

At this time, we are just informing you that someone will contact you soon to schedule a time to meet with the child to tell him or her more about the study. The child's decision to participate in the study will not affect the current services they receive from their Child Protective Services (CPS) Specialist.

What will the child be asked to do if he/she agrees to be interviewed as part of the study?

If the child agrees to participate after the researcher tells the child more about the study, the researcher will ask the child some questions about him or herself and their family. In addition, if the child is 11 years old or older, he or she will also answer some questions using a computer. The researcher will also return six months later to ask a group of similar questions. Each time, the questions will take about 30 hour to answer.

Does the child get anything for being interviewed?

Yes. The child will get a $15 gift card (if age 7 or older) or a gift valued at no more than $15 (if age 5 or 6) each time he/she meets with the researcher.

Are there any risks or discomforts to being interviewed as part of the study?

Some questions may make the child uncomfortable. If any questions make the child feel upset or sad, they can talk with their CPS Specialist. The child can also ask to skip any of the questions. The child can end the interview at any time.

Will what the child says in the interview be kept private?

We will keep your information private to the extent permitted by law. However, we will in all cases, take necessary action, including reporting to authorities, to prevent serious harm to the child or others. The Westat researcher will always meet with the child in a private place. We will not include any information that identifies the child, you, or the child’s family in any reports.

Does the child have to be interviewed?

The child does not have to be in the study. No one will get mad if the child does not want to be in the study. Their decision will not affect the current services he or she receives from your CPS Specialist.

What if I have questions?

If you have any questions about the study, please contact: Karla Eisen, Westat Study Contact 1-800-WESTAT1 (937-8281), x5927 lkarlaeisen@westat.com

For questions about the child’s rights as a participant in this study, contact: The Westat Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator, 1-800-WESTAT1 (937-8281), x8828

ADES 1