Free Parental Consent Forms [Travel, Medical, School, etc.]

There are many laws and guidelines put in place as a way to protect children under the age of 16. One such instruction is the Parental Consent Form. These can be used for a variety of situations, from allowing a child to go on a school trip, to whether or not someone is authorized to make a medical decision for someone under-aged.

In some countries, the consent of one or both parents may be needed before a child is allowed to take part in an activity. What parental consent means is, a parent has a right to be informed of or to give their consent for an event their child may take part in. It includes medical treatment, school trips, and activities, or other activities being run by an organization. Things like a minor having their ears pierced, getting a tattoo, marrying, going on a school field trip, or engaging in some part of a school’s curriculum are all things that would require consent from a parent.

A Parental Consent Form is a document that is given to the parents of a minor to get their permission to engage in activities.

There are specific requirements that a consent form needs to have on it:

  • The form must fully inform the parents of all relevant information to the activity that consent is necessary. It must be done in the parent’s native language.
  • The parent must understand and agree to give consent in writing for the activity.
  • A parent must be made aware that they can revoke consent for future activities.

The forms give the guardians of a child the chance to learn about an activity or medical treatment so that they can make a well-informed decision regarding whether they wish to allow their child to participate. It works to protect both the child and the organization seeking consent. With a form, you have a physically signed document that can protect you legally.

Consent can be sought for several reasons. Schools require parental consent before children are taken on class trips, or before they can engage in an activity after school, as well as for teaching some subjects like sexual education.

Parental consent is also commonly sought for anything that will be collecting a minor’s data, or before undergoing any type of medical treatment. There are also situations where one parent will need parental consent from the other to take that child out of the country.

When it comes to granting permission for specific activities or events involving minors, different scenarios require different types of parental consent forms. Familiarizing yourself with the common types of consent forms can empower you to make informed decisions as a parent or guardian, while also ensuring compliance with legal and organizational requirements.

Some of the most common are:


Free Passport Parental Consent Form for Word

Passport Parental Consent Form

A passport parental consent form is used when a minor is applying for a passport, but only one parent can be physically present for the application process. The parent who is not present needs to submit a consent form for the application process to take place. This type of parental consent form will need to be notarized and must be submitted within 90-days from the date it was notarized. This type of parental consent form also requires other documentation to be submitted that proves your relationship to the child.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


Free Child Travel Consent Form for Word

Child Travel Consent Form

This form is used to give parental consent for a minor to travel with a group, friend, or member of the family that is not the parent or guardian. It is required if you will be flying out of the country with your child and without your spouse. It’s used to protect minors traveling abroad on their own or with a group against human trafficking and abduction that is linked to a custody battle.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


Editable School Parental Consent Form for Word

School Parental Consent Form

This type of parental consent form is used when a child will be taking part in an extracurricular school activity. There are always risks that can come with these types of events, and the school must inform the parents of the specific business taking place, who will be supervising the children, and clear contact information. You will also be asked to provide your emergency contact details, as well as any special needs or instructions for your child.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


Printable Child Medical Consent Form for Word

Child Medical Consent Form

This form is used in cases where medical consent for a minor may be needed while the parents are the child are away. It gives the person chaperoning the child the authority to make any relevant medical decisions for treatment. It should include your child’s details, health information, the name of the adult that was given consent to make these decisions, health insurance details, and any authorized medical treatments.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


Free Parental Consent Form for Marriage (Under 16) for Word

Parental Consent Form for Marriage (Under 16)

Each state will have its laws regarding the age of consent for marriage. Minors under 16 years of age will need to have parental consent to marry. Aside from this, they will also need to gain approval from the court to be allowed to marry. In some situations, such as marrying because the minor is pregnant, this may be waived.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


Editable Parental Consent Form for Abortion for Word

Parental Consent Form for Abortion

This form is used when a minor is seeking to undergo the termination of a pregnancy. Some states will require consent from a parent or guardian, where others won’t need parental consent, but must inform the parents.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


Free Minor Assent Form for Word

Minor Assent Form

Another type of consent is known as informed consent. It is something that tends to be used in situations where a minor is participating in a research activity. A child must be between the ages of 7 and 17, and it is a means of allowing the small to understand what is happening and that they agree to take part.

Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)

    The age of consent can differ with each state and tends to be between 16 and 18 years of age. These limits are put in place to protect young and vulnerable children, and you should check to see what the age of consent limit is for your particular state.

    Each state in the U.S. varies in its parental consent rules and requirements for receiving Covid vaccinations.

    EXAMPLE

    Minors over the age of 12 in the state of Arizona require the consent of a parent. However, if the child’s pediatrician requests the vaccination for a minor – especially due to underlying medical conditions the child has – a court order by the doctor or doctor’s office can be received to allow the minor to receive the important vaccine.    

    In San Francisco, CA, minors aged 12 plus are permitted, legally, to “self consent” for medical services, including the decision to receive their Covid shots.  As in Philadelphia, PA, minors above the age of 12 are also allowed to give their medical consent. In Washington D.C., providers of healthcare for minors are allowed to give important medical requirements – some of which require the presence of a parent or a guardian.

    You can find the updated state laws table here.

    The main reason for a parental consent form is its ability to act as a type of waiver. Often, a form protects the business by requiring you to waive a lawsuit, even if due to an employee’s negligent behavior. This type of insurance, so to speak, exists to prevent any lawsuit against the business/organization.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is a step-parent allowed to give medical consent?

    Generally, a step-parent does not have the authority to consent to medical treatment on behalf of the step-child, unless that step-parent has legally adopted them, is designated as their legal guardian, or has been given authority by both parents to do so.

    Why is parental consent needed in school?

    Most reasons for needing parental consent are legal ramifications. They are put in place to protect children as well as parents’ rights regarding what they want their children exposed to in school. Things like consent to use the school’s internet service is aimed at protecting children from online stalkers. Some parents may not want their children to participate in activities that go against heir beliefs, or that they feel would be detrimental to their child’s well-being.

    Can grandparents give consent?

    Not unless they have been designated to do so by the parents of the minor. Parental consent forms play an essential role in keeping children safe and the rights of both child and parent. Bear in mind that each state has its laws and guidelines regarding the age of consent and what documents are needed.

    About This Article

    Melissa Horton
    Authored by:
    Legal Writing | M.A Marketing, B.A. Finance
    Melissa Horton is a highly skilled legal writer and co-owner of a leading financial planning firm in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in the financial services and planning industry, Melissa's expertise lies in teaching clients how to maintain sustainable financial health. She holds a JD degree and possesses a deep understanding of legal principles and regulations, enabling her to deliver exceptional legal writing that is both informative and accessible. Melissa's passion for helping individuals navigate complex legal matters shines through in her work, making her a trusted authority in the field of legal writing.

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