The overall purpose of a youth advocate is to ensure that youth maintain their human rights while aiding in skill development in all areas of life such as education, health, housing, employment, relationships, etc.
A youth advocate aims to prevent youth from experiencing diminished self-esteem while interacting with adults who hold professional authoritative roles in their life.
[1] Travis Lloyd, a speaker on the subject, describes a youth advocate as one who plays a significant supportive role in the social and legal processes in the lives of young people, especially homeless and foster youth who lack family support.
This is important because it makes it easier for the youth advocate to empathise with their clients.
Often, youth going through services or systems (whether it be mental health, juvenile justice, substance use issues, foster care, or homelessness) can be dehumanised, their opinions/feelings/insight ignored, and further traumatised.