The author argues that all professional issues of child and youth care practice are influenced by language and the manner in which practitioners use language and a variety of communication forms in explaining and conducting their work. The role of jargon in child and youth care practice is examined by using several commonly used terms as examples. The jargon terms examined are "caring," "relationship," and "engagement." "Caring" can have a variety of meanings associated with various types of actions, such that the statement "Child and youth work is fundamentally about caring" raises more questions than it answers. The word "caring" requires explanations about actions that have specific effects that impact the feelings, experiences, and behaviors of a child or youth. It is important that the word "caring" be explained in various contexts and in relation to specific actions and intended effects in a particular child's experience. "Relationships" is another core term used in the jargon of youth and child care. The term "relationship" is used as a way of thinking about involvement with children and youth. It says virtually nothing about the content and effects of what people say and do in their contacts with another person. Again, the term must be defined by actions, feelings, behaviors, and outcomes of the "relationship." The term "engagement" as used in the delivery of services to children and youth says very little about actions and effects. It is essential that the words used in interacting with and explaining what is happening in service delivery to children and youth precisely describe what occurred and how it was measured. 10 references