Institutional Review Board
Researchers proposing studies that will involve entering a program or contacting program youth must obtain IRB approval prior to implementation. Researchers requesting identified or de-identified data must obtain IRB approval prior to receiving the data. This applies to all research for the purpose of generalized knowledge (e.g., journal articles, dissertations) and grant-funded research. Research involving program staff must also obtain IRB approval.
The instructional handbook and required forms are temporarily unavailable for public posting. Please contact the Director of the IRB for required application forms. The required forms are the IRB Coversheet and Application (also referred to as the “Questionnaire”). The instructional handbook describes how to complete the other required documents for submission. Most researchers will need to complete a departmental background screening prior to approval. This applies to all researchers except those solely requesting de-identified data.
If your question or concern is pertaining to the background screening process, please contact the Background Screening Unit directly at generalbsu@fldjj.gov or (850) 921-6345.
For other questions or concerns, please contact the IRB Director at (850) 717-2631 or IRB.Director@fldjj.gov.
The Board meets on a quarterly basis. Please see the main IRB web page for a list of tentative meeting dates. Dates are subject to change.
Please see the main IRB web page for a list of proposal submission dates. The IRB will only accept proposal submissions via the mail. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Proposals received after the submission deadline will automatically be held until the next submission cycle. The address to mail submissions can be found on the main IRB web page.
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Final proposal approval is active for 365 days from the time the Secretary’s delegate signs the Privacy & Security Agreement. Researchers may apply for an extension or renewal of their approved status.
The IRB Director will send approved Principal Investigators a notice generally 30 days before the project approval is set to end. This notice will provide the Principal Investigator an opportunity to initiate the extension/renewal process.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is dedicated to the protection of youth in custody and under supervision from risks related to research studies. The Institutional Review Board has been assigned the task of reviewing and providing written approval for studies that meet the standards set by DJJ.
The DJJ IRB reviews research proposals that involve DJJ youth (e.g., direct contact with youth, access to individualized youth information) and/or occur within a DJJ program. The IRB then provides recommendations to the Secretary’s designee to accept or reject the research proposal.