In 2003, ACA adopted which focus within competencies?

• A. Social Justice focus/Advocacy competencies
• B. Multicultural Competencies
• C. Evidence-based practice
• D. Credentialing

Answer: (A)

The main concept being tested is that, in 2003, the American Counseling Association defined an explicit focus on advocacy and social justice within the counseling competencies. This shift means counselors are expected not only to work with clients in the moment but also to actively address the systemic and policy-level barriers that affect clients’ well-being. The Advocacy Competencies outline how counselors engage in client, group, and community advocacy, collaborate with communities, and influence public policy to promote equal access to resources and inclusive practices. This emphasis remains distinct from multicultural competencies, which focus on awareness, knowledge, and skills for working with diverse populations, and from evidence-based practice or credentialing, which concern research-informed decision making and licensure respectively.