This is a very important document in the history of the advocacy movement, and one with continuing relevance, written by one of its key leaders. It challenges assumption and is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the essence of advocacy. It looks at the major phenomena arising from the process of evolution undergone by human services including: increasing complexity, increased scientific knowledge, increased use of technology in service delivery, rising costs, continuing fragmentation of services and rising consumer dissatisfaction. Contents include: the historical and conceptual roots of advocacy; what advocacy is, what it is not; various past approaches to protection and guardianship; a global advocacy/protection schema in relation to the human service system. Keywords: Advocacy, Legal, Theory