Adult advocate systems ensure that at least one adult knows each student well. Teachers, counselors, community volunteers, and other school staff can fulfill this "caring adult" role, helping personalize students' experiences in even the largest schools. By meeting with 15-20 students, individually or in small groups, on a regular basis over several years, adult advocates can provide rapport, academic and personal guidance, and links to additional resources when needed. Training for adult advocates and administrative support for the advocate system are critical elements for success.

While adult advocate systems are not specifically referred to by this term in any of the school stories, all of the featured schools in the series encourage adult advocacy.