Permission forms are one form of communication with parents and guardians. Parents/guardians should understand the components of a youth program including:

• What kind of incidents they will or will not be informed about regardless of the desire of their youth.
• Any material or activities that could require their permission.
• The rules and supervision within the program.

Permission forms can and should address:

• Medical information.
• Whether youth may self-administer prescribed medication.
• Permission to treat in case of medical emergency.
• Liability release.
• Rules and behavioral expectations.
• Parental responsibility in cases where youth do not follow expectations.

For longer trips, permission forms should also address:

• Whether youth may self-administer specific over the counter medication in case of headaches, fever, sunburn, stomach ache, etc.

Samples Permission and Medical Release Forms

• Central East Regional substitute permission form
• Eliot Unitarian Chapel: Youth Medical Release Form

Return to the 14 Recommended Practices for Safety in Youth Ministry.