Consent is a core principle in social work, reflecting respect for individual autonomy. In child welfare services (CWS), however, obtaining consent becomes complex when parents must act on behalf of their children, particularly when concerns of abuse are present. This study examines the dynamics of consenting to voluntary interventions in CWS investigation reports of suspected child abuse. Analysing 118 cases from eleven Swedish municipalities, we assess whether consent met the requirement for validity. Drawing on Lukes’s three-dimensional view of power, we highlight the power dynamics shaping consent. Findings show that consent is often influenced by both parents and CWS, while children rarely have a voice. Consent was frequently partial, uninformed, or involuntary, and sometimes failed to address the needs of those identified as requiring support. In many cases, parents did not consent to recommended interventions, indicating that coercion was not widespread. The study highlights the complex interplay of power in child welfare consent processes and underscores the need for CWS to balance respect for parental autonomy with the duty to safeguard children’s rights. Transparent strategies for obtaining, assessing, and documenting consent are essential to ensure ethical practice and uphold children’s well-being.