Child advocates must compete with many other interests for public and legislative attention, in the context of continually shifting political and economic trends. In addition, State budget realities have resulted in a reluctance to fund children's programs, and State and local officials frequently have little enthusiasm for testing innovative programs. Nevertheless, State-based child advocacy groups have been in the forefront of three emerging trends: (1) calling for accountability in the provision of services to children to insure that tax revenues are being spent appropriately; (2) assuring that entitlements approved by State legislatures are being implemented as intended; and (3) urging new or expanded services for the nurturance and protection of children. The book examines the needs of children and their families and the government response, assumptions in and characteristics of child advocacy, child advocacy strategies, and advocacy pitfalls. 221 references.