Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

In social work practice, assent and consent are characterized as distinct concepts, with only consent providing the legal authorization to participate in treatment.

Consent refers to the formal agreement that individuals give when they are fully informed about the nature of the treatment, including risks and benefits, and are legally capable of making that decision. This ability to consent is particularly crucial in contexts involving adults or minors whose guardians have the legal authority to provide consent on their behalf.

Assent, on the other hand, is the agreement of individuals, often minors, who may not have the legal capacity to provide consent but are encouraged to participate in the decision-making process regarding their treatment. Assent does not confer the same legal authority that consent does; it acknowledges the individual's preferences and willingness to participate, but it must be obtained alongside consent from a legal guardian or parent.

This distinction ensures that the rights and autonomy of individuals, particularly those who may not be able to legally consent, are respected while also complying with legal requirements for treatment.