July 15, 2005

To: All Faculty Performing Human Subjects Research

From: Michael J. Klag, M.D., M.P.H.
Vice Dean for Clinical Investigation

Re: Foster Children Participation in Research Studies

You may have seen recent newspaper articles regarding government investigations of clinical trials that enrolled foster children. We want to make sure that we do the best possible job of responding to such concerns and protecting the rights of children who participate in research. This is a complex area and, while we are formulating our response to these concerns, , please do not enroll foster children in any research studies. If you have any foster children enrolled in current studies, or you have a patient who is a foster child and you believe enrollment in a research study would be the best therapeutic option, please contact Barbara Starklauf, Assistant Dean, Office of Human Subjects Research Compliance, by e-mail at bstark@jhmi.edu or by phone at (410) 955-3008. Questions regarding this request to temporarily limit enrollment may be directed to me or to the General Counsels (for JHHS, Joanne Pollak; for JHU, Frederick Savage). I appreciate your cooperation.

cc: Joanne Pollak, Vice President and General Counsel JHHS

Frederick Savage, Deputy Vice President and General Counsel JHU