3.2: Consent
Before a young person can participate in a single Powerhouse® session, appropriate consent must be in place.
The age at which a young person can provide their own consent is not always 18 and may vary across Canada depending on the type of service being provided. Before delivering Powerhouse®, review your organization’s consent policies and confirm the requirements in your province or territory to determine when a young caregiver can provide their own consent and when parent or guardian consent is required.
Regardless of who provides formal consent, young caregivers should understand what Powerhouse® is and have a say in whether they participate. Consent is an ongoing process, with clear communication and understanding maintained throughout the program.
When Consent Isn’t Straightforward
Young caregiver families may be navigating illness, disability, mental health concerns, substance use, family separation, changing living arrangements, or child-protection involvement. These circumstances can sometimes make obtaining consent more complex.
When consent isn’t straightforward, start with three questions:
1. Who can provide consent?
For children and youth who are underage, consent will generally come from a parent or legal guardian who has the authority to make decisions on the young person’s behalf. However, this may differ when a young person is in the care or custody of someone else, has a formal guardian, or is involved with child-protection services. Confirm who has the authority to provide consent for the young person’s participation. This may not always be the person who referred the young person, brings them to programming, or is currently caring for them.
2. What is making consent difficult?
Consider whether illness, disability, family circumstances, stigma, fear, language, accessibility, or another barrier is affecting the family’s ability or willingness to complete the process. A barrier to completing consent does not necessarily mean a family does not want support.
3. Do we know how to proceed?
If consent or decision-making authority is unclear, don’t make assumptions. Follow your organization’s policies and the requirements in your jurisdiction, and seek appropriate guidance when needed.
What Might This Look Like?
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You May Encounter… |
What to Consider |
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A parent is unable to complete consent because of significant illness, disability, mental health concerns, or other circumstances. |
Is there another person with authority to provide consent? What does your organization’s process require when a parent is unable to participate? |
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A young person is living with a relative or moving between households. |
Who currently has decision-making authority for the young person? Is there documentation your organization needs to confirm? |
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Parents or guardians disagree about participation. |
Don’t assume one person’s consent is sufficient. Confirm who has authority to make the decision and follow your organization’s established process. |
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There is current child-protection involvement. |
Child-protection involvement may affect who has decision-making authority. Confirm who can provide consent rather than making assumptions based on the family’s circumstances. |
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A family is hesitant to provide consent because of stigma, privacy concerns, substance use, mental health concerns, or fear of child-protection involvement. |
Take time to understand the concern. Clearly explain Powerhouse®, why consent is needed, what information is required, and how your organization will use and protect their information. |
Complex family circumstances are common when supporting young caregivers. Approach these conversations with empathy and professional judgement while maintaining clear boundaries around consent. When authority or consent requirements are unclear, pause and confirm the appropriate next step before participation begins.
★ Powerhouse® Tip: Be flexible in how you support families through the consent process, not about whether appropriate consent is required.
✅ Key Takeaway: Confirm who has the authority to provide consent before a young caregiver participates. Regardless of who signs, the young person should understand what Powerhouse® is and have a meaningful say in whether they participate.