Establishing Consumer Protections for Research in Human Service Agencies

LeBlanc et al. (2018) wrote a how-to guide for small ABA agencies. They asked, "How can we review our own studies without a university IRB?"

The paper lists every step to build a Research Review Committee inside an agency. It covers membership, paperwork, and quick timelines.

An in-house committee can protect clients the same way a big university board does. The guide gives ready forms so agencies can start today.

Peters et al. (2013) said ethics boards in low-income countries must fit local culture. LeBlanc borrows that idea and shrinks it to single-agency size.

Quigley et al. (2025) wants a standing ethics column in journals so the whole field can talk. LeBlanc starts the talk at the agency level; Quigley widens it to the world.

Iqbal (2002) warned that staff quit ethical programs when rules feel too heavy. LeBlanc answers with a light, fast committee so staff will still use it.

If you run or work in a private ABA agency, you can now start a Research Review Committee this month. You get sample forms, clear roles, and a one-week review turn-around. This keeps your clients safe and lets you publish data without waiting for a university IRB.