According to the NASW Code of Ethics, can a social worker provide consultation without relevant expertise?

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers are required to provide services within their areas of competence based on their education, training, and experience. This means that social workers should not offer consultation or professional advice in areas where they lack the relevant expertise. Providing consultation without the necessary qualifications can lead to harm for clients or communities, as the advice given may be misleading or inappropriate due to insufficient knowledge or understanding of the topic. Upholding professional integrity and ensuring that clients receive accurate and effective support is fundamental to ethical practice in social work. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the importance of adhering to these ethical standards by affirming that a social worker cannot ethically provide consultation without relevant expertise.