In school or clinic settings, how should minor consent be handled when services are provided?

• A. Only obtain parental consent
• B. Never involve guardians
• C. Obtain appropriate parental consent and minor assent when possible; explain limits of confidentiality and involve guardians as required.
• D. Only obtain minor assent

Answer: (C)

Minors’ consent involves both the young person’s assent and a parent or guardian’s informed consent, with clear limits on confidentiality and guardianship involvement as required by law and ethics. In practice, you seek appropriate parental consent and, when developmentally appropriate, the minor’s assent to participate in services. You explicitly explain what will be kept confidential and what cannot be shared, so the minor understands the boundaries. Guardians are involved as required by governing laws, professional guidelines, and the specific service context. This approach honors the youth’s growing autonomy while ensuring legal and ethical safeguards, safety planning, and accountability. If safety concerns or required reporting arise, you explain and apply the limits of confidentiality accordingly.