Child and Youth Care is a profession founded on a commitment to the well being of children, adolescents, and their families. It is based on a perspective which emphasizes enhancing normative development, supporting personal and social competence, and the primary use of the relationship in therapeutic interactions. The profession aims to address the psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and biological needs of young people and their families. This may occur at different life stages and in a variety of settings. Child and Youth Care professionals are central in the care, custody, and treatment for children and youth in mandated agencies and a key player in multi-disciplinary settings.

Child and Youth Care is client centred and requires engagement skills and techniques which actualize the process of development and change. It encompasses the needed advocacy for children, youth and their families in powerless and often hopeless situations. It captures the root value of "caring" as an underlying force behind emotional growth, rehabilitation, social competence, and treatment.

Professional practitioners promote the optimal development of children, youth, and their families in a variety of settings such as early care and education, community-based child and development programs, community mental health, group homes, residential centres, day and residential treatment, early intervention, home-based care and treatment, psychiatric centres, rehabilitation programs, pediatric health care, and juvenile justice programs.

The relationship between worker and clients is a primary tool for supporting the client's growth of skills, self-esteem, and emotional well being. The Child and Youth Care professional is empathic to the child and family's needs and enhances their options and personal opportunities.

Child and Youth Care practice includes assessing client and program needs, designing and implementing programs and planned environments, integrating developmental, preventative, and therapeutic requirements into the clients life space. The Child and Youth Care Worker contributes to the development of knowledge and practice, and participates in systemic interventions through direct care, supervision, administration, teaching, research, consultation, and advocacy.