Whats the difference between an Assent Form and a Consent Form?
A consent form is appropriate for autonomous individuals who are legally and cognitively able to agree to participate. An assent form is issued for study subjects with diminished capacity, i.e. those who cannot give consent, but are able to participate in the process to some degree can do so through the assent process. With older children, for example, the assent process can be similar to the consent process used with a competent adult. For a younger child, the process and form may be less detailed. Parental permission or permission from a legal appointed representative is appropriate when a subject lacks capacity to consent for themselves.
