The Practice of Family Mentoring and Advocacy: A Theoretical Investigation of Critical Issues

Abstract

This paper examines key theoretical underpinnings of an advocacy initiative reaching low-income and African American families in our community. Its practical benefits are proposed to ensue largely from distinct positions on several issues: the scope and location of intervention; the source of intervention (who the primary helpers are); and the nature of intervention (how helping occurs). For each issue, our own specific positions are detailed against a backdrop of competing general stances. Research on similar initiatives is also reviewed in a way that highlights salient and reoccurring themes across the literature. Overall, this inquiry aims to facilitate deliberation among both academics and practitioners regarding the potential of advocacy as a viable supplement to more traditional interventions for struggling families.