The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice encourages and supports research efforts conducted by qualified researchers that contribute to our knowledge about juvenile delinquency and criminal justice.  However, because the children under the care and custody of the Department lack the legal capacity to consent to participate in research, the Department is responsible to protect their rights and ensure their well being.

Our regulations require a careful review of the risks and benefits involved in research proposals, the juvenile's assent, and departmental permission for their participation in research.

How to Submit an IRB Application

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ) is pleased to work with researchers whose studies have the potential to inform policy and/or practice to significantly benefit Florida youth. However, due to limited staff resources at FDJJ, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) can only accept proposals that have the potential to make a significant contribution to the field. The Institutional Review Board will only consider proposals that have the potential to inform policy and practice at FDJJ, and/or have the potential to make a significant contribution to the knowledge base regarding juvenile justice and associated policy or practice.

To ensure that the Department promotes research and scholarship among interested researchers, while also efficiently utilizing the limited time and resources of DJJ staff, applicants are requested to download the Institutional Review Board’s Preliminary Review Form and send the completed form to the IRB Director before submitting a full proposal. The Department will not consider full proposals submitted before approval of the Preliminary Review Form. Researchers who submit a review form that meets either of the above criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal for IRB consideration. Please note that the decision to support or reject proposals will be solely at the Department’s discretion.

Institutional Review Board’s Preliminary Review Form

If you have any questions during the IRB process, please feel free to contact the IRB Director at IRB.Director@djj.state.fl.us for assistance and guidance.

Thank you!