consumer-centered social work

An orientation by social work practitioners that places a high value on the self-determination of the client and emphasizes those intervention strategies that encourage client independence, self-advocacy, and self-judgment in negotiating the social services or welfare system. According to Kristine D. Tower (“Client-Centered Social Work Practice: Restoring Client Self-Determination,” Social Work, 39[March 1994], pp. 191–196), thinking of the client as a consumer and one who is capable of deciding what is best helps move away from paternalism.