Bachelor Of Social Work (BSW) Practice Exam

Self-determination centers the client's control over decisions and life choices. In practice, it means honoring the client's right to decide what happens to them, the options they pursue, and the path their care will take, as long as they have the capacity to decide and are making an informed, voluntary choice. A social worker supports this by presenting information clearly, outlining risks and benefits, and helping the client weigh options without pressuring them. It also involves assessing understanding, ensuring consent is voluntary, and respecting refusals or alternative requests. Beneficence and nonmaleficence guide what we aim to achieve and avoid, but they describe the goals of care rather than who gets to decide. Justice emphasizes fairness and equitable treatment, which is important for access and rights, yet autonomy specifically protects the client's authority over personal decisions.