There must be tangible benefits to the children, families and communities who support or participate in research. Our participants told us that research about family violence is unlikely to be supported by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people or communities unless it is accompanied by the provision of support or educational programs for children and families. The greatest worry that participants in this scoping study had about researchers in their community was that the researchers would not have the appropriate skills or approach required to understand the multitude of issues present within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. Many people spoke about a fear of researchers misinterpreting the level of risk a child is facing and the subsequent negative consequences that could result for children, their families and communities. This concern is due to past and current government policies that have resulted in many Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children being removed from their family and community. Researchers need to design and implement studies that can respond to these concerns and ensure that their research does no harm, but can benefit children, families and their communities.

### How can research with individuals, families and communities be designed and implemented to ensure participants benefit from participation rather than harmed?

The study participants provided useful advice to assist researchers to design appropriate and effective studies with and for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children. They also offered guidance on how researchers can best engage with children to understand their views and experiences. The broader Childhood Studies literature which has developed over the last few decades with the increasing number of studies being conducted with children on sensitive issues is also a good source of information (Powell, McArthur, Chalmers, Graham, Moore, Spriggs, & Taplin, 2018; Woodhead, 2004). The remainder of this resource provides some key principles and processes that, if followed, will allow researchers to discuss and address any concerns that children, their families or communities may have in getting involved in research. Researchers must provide children, families and communities with free and informed choice as to whether they participate in research. Researchers should expect that some children, families and communities will not want to be involved in research – this is their choice and this choice must be respected. It is up to researchers to present as much information about the study as they can, in a culturally appropriate and accessible manner. This may entail having to develop separate child-friendly versions of information that is suitable to different ages and capacities of the children involved. Children, families and community members should be encouraged to ask questions, discuss their concerns and appropriate changes to the study should be negotiated to meet the needs of children, their families and communities. It is vital that these considerations and conversations happen as early as possible and as often as possible throughout the research.

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