OCAPS Parent Notification Letter

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Elmira High School is participating in the Oregon Child Abuse Prevalence Study, conducted by Jeff Todahl, PhD. and the research team at the University of Oregon’s The Center for Childhood Safety and Wellbeing. This questionnaire will collect information from high school students about personal support, health and well-being, and any experience they may have had with neglect, abuse, or harm. The purpose of the questionnaire is to learn more about harmful experiences youth in Oregon may have experienced as one part of our community’s effort to support families and reduce child abuse and neglect. 

In addition, youth will be invited to participate in a one-time 90-minute focus group interview that will gather youth recommendations for child abuse prevention in Oregon. Participation in the focus group interview is optional. Youth will be asked a series of open-ended questions. The focus group interview will occur over Zoom and will be audio recorded. Youth will be invited to turn cameras on for the focus group interview, but this is not required, and cameras may be turned off at any time. Video will not be recorded during the focus group interview. Youth will be offered a gift card for their time and participation. The gift card will be provided via email. 

Your child’s participation in the questionnaire is optional and anonymous. The research team will not request student names at any time on the questionnaire. This questionnaire will take place during one class period on one day. If a student discloses abuse or neglect and chooses to give their name, we will work with school staff to protect your child which may include the school contacting a child welfare agency.

This is a sensitive study about a sensitive and important topic. We will work with school staff to ensure students feel supported.

Youth will be offered up to three free meetings at the UO College of Education’s Center for Healthy Relationships where they may request information, referral, or resources provided by a graduate student at the center. Youth will be provided the phone number and will be instructed to call the center if they wish to seek additional information.

We ask students to join us as partners in providing more accurate information to communities so we can support the health and wellbeing of children and youth. We encourage all students to participate, although the choice to participate is voluntary. If your child is under 18 you may choose to opt them out from the questionnaire and/or focus group interview, or your child may opt out on the day of the questionnaire or focus group. Regardless of your decision, there will be no negative consequences for choosing not to participate.

If you would like your child to not participate in the questionnaire and/or the focus group interview, please complete this form and return to your child’s teacher, before February 17th. Email or complete and return this form only if you do not want your child to participate.

Please feel free to call the UO research team at 541-346-7484 if you have any questions about the study. If you would like to speak to someone outside the study, you may contact UO Research Compliance Services at 541-346-2510 with any questions or concerns.

I have read and understand this form regarding the Oregon Child Abuse Prevalence Study.

[   ] My child does not have my permission to participate in this study.

Student’s Name: ________________________________________     Grade: _____

Telephone Number: _____________________________________      Date:_______

Signature of Parent or Guardian: _________________________________________