Ethics & Oversight

At the HLC Maternal & Family Mental Health Research Center, we are committed to conducting research that is ethical, culturally responsive, and centered on the well-being of participants.

Our Ethics Review Panel (ERP)

All projects undergo review by our internal Ethics Review Panel (ERP), composed of members of our Advisory Board with expertise in law, healthcare, mental health, research, and community advocacy. The ERP ensures that:

• Participation is voluntary and informed.

• Confidentiality and data protection are in place.

• Risks to participants are minimized.

• Studies align with our mission of advancing maternal and family mental health equity.

IRB-Approved Studies

Some studies, particularly those funded by federal grants, submitted for academic publication, or involving high-risk or vulnerable populations, require full Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. For these projects, we work through the IRBs of our university partners and research affiliations, ensuring compliance with federal standards and recognized ethical guidelines.

Our Commitment

Whether through ERP or IRB review, our standard is the same: to protect participants, uphold ethical principles, and ensure research integrity.