The multidimensional roles and tasks of the advocate are discussed through the presentation of a single court case followed step-by-step through the legal process. Key issues that advocates must address at each stage of the process are addressed. After providing a history of the role of the independent advocate, the book instructs advocates in how to identify the best interests of the child and what role the child should play in identifying these interests. The discussion presents problems advocates will face in cases of abuse and neglect and details the advocate's role as mediator and conciliator in the adversarial process. Personal and systemic impediments advocates will encounter are described, and a legislative plan for organizing an office for court-appointed special advocates is outlined. Appended proposal for advocacy legislation, checklist of dimensions of child advocacy, chapter notes, subject index. (Publisher summary modified)