What is the term for an agreement to services fully informed of the procedures, risks, and benefits?

The term that best describes an agreement to services where the individual is fully informed of the procedures, risks, and benefits is "informed consent." This concept is fundamental in social work as well as in other helping professions. Informed consent signifies that a client has received comprehensive information about a proposed intervention or service, understands the implications of the choice, and agrees to proceed voluntarily.

Informed consent is not just a formal requirement; it respects the client's autonomy and fosters a trusting relationship between the client and the social worker. It ensures that individuals make choices based on a clear understanding of what they can expect, allowing them to weigh the pros and cons effectively.

Other terms, such as voluntary agreement or client understanding, may imply aspects of consent but lack the specificity and depth of informed consent, which encompasses the essential clarity about procedures, risks, and benefits. Participatory consent suggests involvement in decision-making but may not emphasize the need for full information as clearly as informed consent does. Therefore, "informed consent" is the most precise and relevant term for the concept in question.