How should consent be addressed when working with minors in PA?

• A. Obtain parental or guardian consent, and, when appropriate, obtain the minor's assent; clarify confidentiality limits for minors.
• B. Require only the minor's consent; no parent involvement.
• C. Never obtain consent for minors.
• D. Only parent consent, with no need to discuss confidentiality.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that working with minors requires both guardians’ involvement and respect for the minor’s developing autonomy, along with clear boundaries about confidentiality. In practice, you obtain consent from a parent or guardian and, when the minor is capable, invite the minor to assent to participate. You also need to spell out the limits of confidentiality to both the parent and the minor so everyone understands what can and cannot be kept confidential, and under what circumstances disclosure is required (for safety, abuse reporting, etc.). This approach supports ethical practice, legal compliance, and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Focusing only on parental consent and not addressing the minor’s assent or the confidentiality limits falls short of these expectations, which is why that option isn’t appropriate.