When ethical complaints are received against members of the ACA, what is the next step?

When ethical complaints are received against members of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the appropriate next step is to refer these complaints to the national ACA Ethics Committee. This committee is specifically designated to assess and address ethical concerns within the profession, ensuring that issues are dealt with in accordance with established ethical guidelines and standards of practice.

The role of the Ethics Committee is critical in maintaining the integrity of the counseling profession, as it provides a structured process for evaluation and potential disciplinary action, which may include investigations into the validity of complaints. This ensures that counselors are held to a high standard of ethical behavior and that any infractions are managed consistently and fairly.

In contrast to other options, local law enforcement and state regulators typically deal with criminal matters or regulatory issues rather than professional ethical complaints. Additionally, while attorneys may be involved in legal matters or formal hearings, such proceedings are not the immediate steps taken by the ACA when an ethical complaint is filed. Thus, the referral to the national ACA Ethics Committee represents the correct and standard procedure for addressing ethical complaints against its members.