Which of the following is NOT advocated by the National Association of Social Workers' Standards for Cultural Competence?

• A. Providing appropriate support for clients whose first language is not English
• B. Taking steps to increase diversity in the social work profession
• C. Avoiding political or legal advocacy on behalf of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
• D. Developing the knowledge and skills necessary for interacting with diverse client groups

Answer: (C)

This item tests how NASW views action beyond direct client work to promote equal access and rights for diverse groups. The NASW Standards for Cultural Competence call social workers to not only build awareness, knowledge, and skills for interacting with diverse clients but also to engage in advocacy to reduce discrimination and remove systemic barriers. They emphasize language access, efforts to diversify the profession, and ongoing development of culturally informed practices. So an approach that suggests avoiding political or legal advocacy on behalf of diverse clients would not align with these standards, because effective cultural competence includes actively advocating for policies and resources that support marginalized populations.

Providing language support for clients whose first language isn’t English, and taking steps to increase diversity in the profession, and developing the necessary knowledge and skills for engaging with diverse client groups all fit the standards and reflect a commitment to both individual practice and systemic change.