Research Payments

Posted on April 18, 2024

1 COMMENTS

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone had any experience paying individuals who participate in research projects, in the form of honorariums, while they are incarcerated? Our organization has never used JPAY and it seems to be one of the only options available. We could always provide a gift card, mail a check or send payment to someone else who could then deposit it in their accounts, but this doesn't seem accessible to all individuals and not sure a check would be accepted by the department of corrections and pretty sure gift cards are a no. Any guidance would be appreciated and would help me provide information to our organization on the need for JPAY option..

Thanks!

Tammy

Comments

Comment by Heather Erwin on Mon, 06/17/2024 - 12:58

Hi Tammy -- this is a great question. I recognize your acknowledgement of the broader implications as well because the incarcerating entity or commissary vendor may require a processing fee, agreement, or some other mechanism that limits the ability of the person who is incarcerated to ultimately benefit from the payment.

AIR has conducted interviews with students inside prisons and explored compensating participants, but ultimately ended up not. I think the methods you outlined are the official channels. I wonder if the amount of compensation can be stated in the IRB application and the method left as the choice of the person who is incarcerated (e.g. A) $ to your JPAY or other commissary provider, B) $ to outside family for use or deposit, C) $ donated to college program, library, some other beneficiary)?

It would be great to hear if others have explored this process.