This article explores the current status of professional development within the child and youth care field. Pre-service, in-service and professional development activities and systems are critically examined in residential and nonresidential contexts, and barriers to more effective training within the field are identified. While there has been considerable effort both in terms of research and practice with respect to pre-service curriculum development, it is argued that in-service training for practitioners is sparse, often random and rarely coordinated to meet the knowledge and skill needs of practitioners relative to their specific employment context. Foundational elements for career building in child and youth care are also explored, and it is argued that notwithstanding virtually unlimited opportunities for career building and the expansion of the field, there are some areas of practice that are beyond the scope of the child and youth care profession. Particular emphasis is placed on some of the contradictions between child and youth care theory and practice fields such as child protection, therapy and diagnostic work.