Which statement reflects best practice when a client declines services?

• A. Pressing to accept services.
• B. Respect autonomy, document reasons, provide information briefly, and offer to revisit later.
• C. Publicly discuss their refusal.
• D. Ignore their decision.

Answer: (B)

Respecting a client’s autonomy is central in CHW practice. When a client declines services, the best approach is to honor their decision, provide any essential information to support an informed choice, document the reasons if given, and offer to revisit the discussion later or at another time. This keeps the collaboration open and shows that you value the client’s right to decide what happens with their care. It also helps build trust, reduces pressure or coercion, and ensures the client understands potential consequences or alternatives without feeling judged. Documentation should note what was declined, any stated reasons, and the plan to check back or provide information again when appropriate. Publicly sharing their refusal breaches confidentiality; pressing to accept undermines consent; ignoring their decision is unethical and harmful to the relationship.