Research conducted within the Foster Care Research Center is guided by principles of scientific integrity, respect for human dignity, social responsibility and protection of research participants.
Ethical considerations are integrated throughout the research process, from project design and participant recruitment to data collection, analysis and dissemination.
Respect for participants
Participation in research must be voluntary and based on clear, accessible and adequate information. Participants must be informed about the aims, procedures and potential implications of the study, including their right to withdraw without negative consequences.
Protection of vulnerable participants
Research involving children, adolescents, care-experienced young people and individuals experiencing vulnerability requires particular ethical attention. Researchers must adopt appropriate safeguards, taking into account participants’ age, circumstances, autonomy and capacity to provide informed consent.
Privacy and data protection
Personal information must be collected, processed and stored in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Researchers must implement appropriate confidentiality, anonymisation or pseudonymisation procedures, where applicable.
Risk assessment and scientific integrity
Researchers are responsible for identifying and minimising potential physical, psychological, emotional or social risks. Research procedures must be proportionate to the expected scientific and social benefits.
Researchers must also ensure methodological integrity, transparency, responsible management of potential conflicts of interest and ethical dissemination of findings.
Ethical review
Research projects promoted by Centro Studi Affido must undergo ethical review in accordance with the Committee’s Regulations. Affiliated researchers and partner organisations may also request an ethical assessment of their research proposals.
Ethical approval applies to the specific version of the protocol reviewed. Substantial modifications may require further assessment.