The five steps are: (1) understand the issue; (2) anticipate frequently asked questions; (3) identify and know your audience; (4) take action; and (5) leverage resources. Understanding the issue involves knowing the extent of the problem and its implications for those working within the criminal justice and mental health systems, which in many cases may be ill-equipped to deal with mentally ill offenders. Understanding the sources of the problem, which are complex and interrelated, as well as responses likely to improve the problem are also important for any advocacy efforts on the part of mentally ill individuals. The second step, anticipate frequently asked questions, outlines the responsibilities advocates have in terms of educating the community and criminal justice practitioners. Six frequently asked questions and the appropriate responses are listed. Questions cover topics such as funding and the prevalence of adults with mental illness in the criminal justice system. Identifying and knowing your audience, the third step for advocacy efforts, means that advocates must understand the perspectives of law enforcement, attorneys, judges, corrections personnel, juvenile justice personnel, mental health practitioners, and elected officials on the issue of mentally ill offenders. The handbook outlines the perspectives of these personnel and practitioners, which includes a description of why addressing the issue of the overrepresentation of mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system is in their best interest. The fourth step, taking action, outlines various strategies for effective advocacy, such as engaging the media, documenting the problem, holding a local or statewide forum, and forming a community-wide coalition. The final step describes how advocacy programs can gain and leverage funding for their advocacy initiatives, listing helpful reports and resources. The conclusion offers 10 advocacy tips to keep in mind, such as respect your partners and set realistic goals. Footnotes