What represents a proper channel for addressing colleague impairment?

The correct choice highlights the importance of following established protocols within agencies or organizations when addressing colleague impairment. This is crucial as these protocols are designed to ensure a systematic and professional approach to handling sensitive situations involving staff impairment. Established protocols often provide guidelines for reporting, assessment, and intervention, which help maintain the integrity of the workplace and protect clients.

These protocols are typically developed in alignment with ethical standards and legal requirements, ensuring that the process is fair to all individuals involved and minimizes potential harm. By adhering to these official channels, social workers can ensure that issues are handled appropriately, confidentially, and effectively, fostering a culture of accountability and support among colleagues.

In contrast, informal approaches like casual conversations may lack the seriousness required for such matters and could lead to misunderstandings or insufficient action. Social media posts are inappropriate as they can violate confidentiality and exacerbate the situation rather than resolve it. Ignoring the issue altogether undermines the responsibility of social workers to uphold ethical standards and protect both the welfare of clients and colleagues.