In research practice, informed consent is a legal condition entered into by a person who agrees or “gives consent” to participate in a study based on learning about and understanding the facts and implications of participation.  Before being asked to agree to participate, participants should be provided with information concerning the purpose of the program evaluation, what they will be asked to do as participants, and how the information they provide will be used. Individuals should also be informed that they can withdraw their consent and stop participating in the evaluation at any time.  In some cases involving adults, verbal consent may be adequate, but in general, it is preferable to provide written information about the evaluation that individuals can take with them and to have people who agree to participate sign and return a written consent form that is kept by the evaluator.  When minors are participating in an evaluation, consent from a parent or guardian is required and additional safeguards (e.g., written consent from school district) are usually required.  For more information on this topic, refer to Evaluation Consent and the Institutional Review Board Process.