Which of the following offers the best protection against compelled disclosure of individually identifiable information in research involving children?

Securing a Certificate of Confidentiality is the best protection against compelled disclosure of individually identifiable information in research involving children because it provides legal safeguards against the involuntary release of sensitive information. This certificate prohibits the disclosure of information that could identify research participants, even under legal compulsion, ensuring that researchers cannot be compelled to reveal the identity of the subjects or sensitive information they provided.

By safeguarding against breaches of confidentiality, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, a Certificate of Confidentiality helps researchers uphold ethical standards and build trust with participants. It is particularly essential when dealing with sensitive data that could have repercussions for participants if disclosed, offering a stronger layer of protection than other methods, which may not offer complete immunity from legal demands.

The other options, while useful in different contexts, do not provide the same level of comprehensive protection against legal requirements for disclosure.