Consent-based decision‑making in social work

Consent-based decision-making is a sociocratic method that has so far received little attention in the social work literature. Using an anonymised case example from disability support services, the paper demonstrates how consent, within a person-centred, non-directive support approach informed by Rogers, can provide immediate and pragmatic action guidance and contribute to de-escalation in conflict situations. The method is discussed as a concrete operationalisation of person-centredness, placed in relation to Nonviolent Communication (Rosenberg) and the RAID approach (Davies), and situated with regard to its potential applications in social group work, support planning, conflict mediation, and restorative justice processes.