Despite all the recent attention being focused on the mental health of children, there remains a scarcity of effective programs for troubled youngsters and their families. One major reason for this failure to provide appropriate resources may be found in the inappropriate delivery systems developed for this task. An innovative family advocacy model for the delivery of mental health services to troubled children and families is described. Excerpts from case studies are utilized to point out significant aspects of the model and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the family advocacy approach. Critical elements of the family advocate's role are specified. Conclusions point to the need for comprehensive and coordinated ecological approaches to the delivery of mental health services. (Author)