Such perceived dissimilarity is principally a function of focusing on dissimilar aspects of the two: research product and clinical process. If one focuses on certain fundamental processes of child and youth care research and the processes of child and youth care practice, the two become quite similar and highly complementary; skills in the one enhance abilities in the other. The six steps of observation, theoretical interpretation, planning, implementation, evaluation, and communication are as much a part of child and youth care practice as they are of child and youth care research processes. Central to ongoing professional development and research practice is the acquisition of reliable and replicable feedback systems for professional child and youth care workers' activities and interventions. 12 references. (Author abstract modified)