At CHEER, we collaborate with families and paediatric research institutes to produce tools and resources that help kids understand research.
Choose your intended audience:
Researcher Resources
“When families are asked to consider a clinical trial for their child, they are often doing so during one of the most overwhelming moments of their lives. Family-friendly materials that use clear language and inclusive visuals help families understand their options, ask informed questions, and feel respected as partners in the research process.”
Antonia Palmer, CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee Lead
For Children
Space Mission Map Assent Activity
This assent activity can be filled in with research study details. It is suitable for younger children. The matching Space Explorer ID badge can be printed separately for children to use.
Visual Study Schedule
This is a resource for both children and families that provides all the information of a traditional study visit schedule, but in picture format. A key describing the meaning of each image is provided at the bottom of each page. A graphics library is provided to get you started with some images of activities that are common to many studies.
Story Book Assent Puzzles Activity
An assent template that is customizable and intended for older children to learn about the study whilst completing some activities, with puzzles and games.
Story Book Assent Drawing Activity
An assent template that is customizable and intended for older children to learn about the study whilst completing some activities, with drawing prompts.
For Families
Research Digital Poster
This is a digital poster designed to be shown on slides or TV screens in waiting areas. It introduces the concept of research participation, and can be used across Canadian jurisdictions. This has been produced in collaboration with the CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee.
Research Digital Infographic
This is a digital infographic designed to be read on phones, tablets or laptops. It can be shared alongside other introductory information to potential or new study participants. It introduces the concept of research participation, and can be used across Canadian jurisdictions. This has been produced in collaboration with the CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee.
Research Brochure
This tri-fold brochure is designed to be printed and made available to families. It introduces the concept of research participation, and can be used across Canadian jurisdictions. This has been produced in collaboration with the CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee.
CHEER Informed Consent Form Template
This informed consent form template was developed by a pan-Canadian working group with representation from the REB offices at paediatric research universities and hospitals. It can be used for studies submitted in the CHEER system, and for paediatric studies submitting to institutional REB platforms in Canada. This template is not appropriate for COG studies, nor should it be used for paediatric clinical trials in Québec.
REB Resources
Guidance for Recruiting Community Members
Finding and Recruiting Community Members (Poster Version)
Trouver et Recruter des Membres de la Communauté (Version affiche)
Finding and Recruiting Community Members (Full Text Version)
Trouver et Recruter des Membres de la Communauté (Version intégrale)
Documented Institutional Ethics Requirements
CHEER REB of Record Delegation Agreements
To allow for single REB review using a ‘board of record’ model, CHEER has developed REB ‘board of record’ ethics delegation agreements that allow for a study site to delegate REB oversight to another REB outside of their institution, regardless of province or territory. The template is designed to be modified to reference the privacy legislation relevant to the REB of record, and to the study site. Any REBs or institutions looking to develop their own delegation agreements are welcome to adapt the CHEER templates to their needs.
This study-specific board of record agreement allows an institution/organization to serve as the REB of Record, and an external study site to delegate the REB oversight of a study to the REB of Record. Study and site-specific information must be included in the agreement which survives the length of the study. This template has been used to execute delegation of REB oversight across two provinces for both minimal risk studies and regulated clinical trials.
This is a bi-directional blanket board of record agreement that allows either party to serve as the REB of record or the study site and has a 3-year term. It has been executed by multiple institutions across two provinces.
The Assent Process in Paediatric Research