Consent for Services

POLICY: To be valid, consent must be:

• Voluntarily given, without any misrepresentation or fraud.
• Given by a person who can make service decisions.
• Informed (meaning the person has been given sufficient information about the service and any implications of giving the consent).

The Company's programs and services are voluntary unless mandated by a court order. Participation in service is considered consent for service since clients are at liberty to withdraw from service at any time. The Company does not work with any client who does not consent to service. The Company's services and policies are first explained verbally at intake. At the first appointment, all clients will receive written information describing the service, relevant policies of the Company, and the client's rights. The client will be asked to read the information and sign a form indicating that they understand the policies and consent to service. In some situations, signed consent may not be possible. In such cases, staff will explain the contents of the document and obtain verbal consent. Verbal consent will be documented in the assessment.

Definitions

Expressed Consent: Verbal or written consent for service.

Consent can be given by the client or the client's legally authorized representative (such as a legal guardian or a person having a power of attorney).

Procedures

Informed consent procedures and documentation requirements are detailed in Appendix 7 - Parent Consent for Treatment.

Written Information

• The Company will ensure that written information describing the service, relevant Company policies, and client's rights is available in the most common languages of service. The information will include a brief description of the Company's services, eligibility for service, policies on confidentiality and access to records, fees, clients' rights and responsibilities, and procedures for complaints.
• The written information is provided to all new clients at their first appointment or as soon as is practical. Clients will be asked to review the information.
• Staff will provide help if needed (e.g., help to address challenges due to literacy, fluency in English, disability, or lack of familiarity with the concepts).

Written Consent

• The staff will answer any questions about the written information.
• The client will be asked to sign a form acknowledging that the client understands the information and consents to service.
• Once assured of the client's consent and acknowledgment, staff will file the consent form and indicate that consent has been received in the client record.
• In exceptional circumstances, the client may be asked to sign the consent form as soon as practical and/or verbal consent will be obtained and documented in the client record.

Acknowledgment and Consent for Minors

• Consent issues related to children under the age of 12 are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
• Individuals 12 years of age and older are deemed able to give consent.

Client Withdrawal of Consent

• A client may choose not to participate in a Company program.
• Staff will document the client's withdrawal of consent in the client file and close the file.