1220-0141 PCF 2-1 Attachment A - NLSY26 Parental Consent Form 10-7-24

Consent to Participate in the

National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 2027

We are asking your permission to allow your child to participate in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 2027. This form tells you basic facts about the survey: what information is collected and how the data will be kept safe.

What is the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 2027?

The National Longitudinal Survey of youth is a federal survey. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and is being conducted by RTI International (RTI).

We have been doing studies like this for over 50 years to learn how young people experience work and the labor market throughout their lives. The last time we began a study like this one was 1997, and the teens that participated then are now in their 40s. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth helps researchers and lawmakers understand how your child’s experiences at home, school, and work impact their life as they age.

Why was my child asked to participate?

Your child was randomly selected along with 17,000 young people across the country. Your child’s participation is voluntary. By participating, they will help ensure the results represent the experiences of all youth in the United States.

Will my child be paid for participating?

Yes, to thank your child for their participation, they will be paid $50 for completing the first survey and receive a certificate of community service for their valuable contributions.

What will happen during the interview?

First, we will ask your child to complete an in-person interview that lasts about 1 to 1½ hours. We will ask your child questions about a wide range of topics, including their education, work, health, family, and social experiences. The interviewer will only ask questions that apply to your child.

Some of the questions they receive may be personal or sensitive. For example, youth who are age 15 or older will be asked questions about reproductive health and experiences with the criminal justice system. These questions will be answered on their own using a computer or tablet. Your child may choose not to answer any question may stop the interview at any time. You will not be penalized or lose any government benefits or services if your child skips any questions or stops the interview.  

After that, we plan to follow-up every 1 to 2 years for your child to participate again. Participation may last a number of years to better understand youth experiences, attitudes, and behavior as they move from school into the workforce.

Who will see the information my child provides?

Strict federal laws prevent us from releasing information that could identify you or your family to anyone without your permission. Your child’s name will never be connected to the answers they provide in this study. All data will be combined with the answers from other youth who participate. These combined answers will not include your child’s name, your name, or any personal identifiers. 

How will my child’s information be used?

Only the Bureau of Labor Statistics, its employees, agents, and partner statistical agencies, will use the information your child provides. They will only use it for statistical purposes. Your child’s information will be kept confidential to the full extent permitted by law.

To learn more about the study, you can visit our website at https://www.bls.gov/nls/nlsy26.htm. You can also see how the Bureau of Labor Statistics has used information from older studies by visiting this site: https://www.bls.gov/nls/home.htm.

How can I, as a parent or caregiver, participate?

You can voluntarily participate in a separate parent/caregiver survey. Parents and caregivers provide vital information about your child and family that helps us better understand how youth move from school into the workforce. The survey asks questions about your child’s early life experiences, family background, important events, and health that they may not remember. The survey also asks you about yourself and your family.

What will happen in the parent/caregiver survey?

• The parent/caregiver survey can be completed at home and lasts 1 to 1½ hours

• You will answer questions on a tablet or computer that we bring. If possible, we will have you complete your survey while a member of our research team interviews your child. 

• Some of the questions asked in the survey are personal. However, you may skip any question, and you may stop the survey at any time. You will not be penalized or lose any government benefits or services if you skip any questions or stop the survey.  

In addition, we are requesting your permission to allow your data as a parent or caregiver to be linked to other available data sets.  Your child’s data would not be linked. Linked data sets could include your answers to other Federal surveys and the administrative records of your participation in Federal programs. The linked data files would not contain personal identifiers, such as names, addresses, or places of work. Data will be stored in a protected data storage facility.

Will I, as a parent or caregiver, be paid for my participation?

Yes, to thank you for your participation, you will receive $50.

What if I have questions?

If you have any questions, you can contact the RTI Project Director, Charles Knott, MPA, PMP at 919-541-6294, or cknott@rti.org.

If you have any questions about you or your child’s rights as a participant, contact the RTI Office of Research Protection at 1-866-214-2043.

Parent/Caregiver Permission Statement and Signature

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided in this consent form.

Check all that apply:

1. My child can participate in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 2027 [ ]

2. I agree to participate in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 2027 [ ]

3. You may link parent/caregiver survey responses to available datasets within secure data storage facilities [ ]

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Signature of Parent/Caregiver Parent/Caregiver Name (PLEASE PRINT)

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Child’s Name (PLEASE PRINT) Date

_{This voluntary study is authorized under Title 29, Section 2, of the United States Code. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the questionnaire and has assigned 1220-xxxx as the study’s control number. This control number expires on xx/xx/xxxx. Without OMB approval and this number, we would not be able to conduct this study.}

_{The Bureau of Labor Statistics, its employees, agents, and partner statistical agencies, will use the information you provide for statistical purposes only and will hold the information in confidence to the full extent permitted by law. In accordance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (44 U.S.C. 3572) and other applicable Federal laws, your responses will not be disclosed in identifiable form without your informed consent.  Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, Federal information systems are protected from malicious activities through cybersecurity screening of transmitted data.}

_{Under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a), the Privacy Act System of Records Notice (SORN) for the NLSY27 can be found on the DOL public website at the link here: DOL/BLS-xx, National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 2027 (NLSY27). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the contractor will have access to your data to compile non individually identifiable data for use by the general public and federal agencies conducting labor force research. Under the written agreement to protect the confidentiality and security of identifying information, BLS may provide information to researchers to conduct specific research projects which further the mission and functions of BLS. Those authorized researchers must sign a written agreement making them official agents of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and requiring them to protect the confidentiality of survey participants.}

_{We are authorized to collect a Social Security Number (SSN) under Executive Order 9397 (November 22, 1943) to help identify individuals in agency records and keep records accurate because other people may have the same name and birth date.}

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