Children and Research: a Risk of Double Jeopardy?

Abstract

This chapter presents arguments that bolster the position of children so that they may become optimally engaged in therapeutic and non-therapeutic research where this is of minimal risk. This may be achieved by ensuring that there are sufficiently sophisticated assessments of their competence, their empowerment and by a presumption that everyone, including children, wishes to participate in research that does not necessarily involve direct benefit to themselves. This higher level of engagement, supporting autonomous and wider interests, together with the likely benefits that will accrue as a result of research, avoids the accusation that children suffer a double jeopardy as a result of their current limited involvement. The authors seek to support those ethical guidelines that facilitate research on children with a relaxed approach and a broad reading of the recent Regulations 2004. A discussion of the current legal and ethical approach provides the context for the author's proposals. Keywords: children; ethical guidelines; legal compliance; non-therapeutic research; therapeutic research