Introduction
Although being a young carer may lead to many positive experiences for a young person and their family, national research and surveys consistently show that being a young carer can have a negative impact on some young people’s emotional and physical well-being, it may create problems at school and restrict opportunities to join in with leisure and social opportunities with other young people. Young carers report that they sometimes feel different and are isolated from their peers, that there may be pressure to keep their family situation secret and that they feel they are not recognised or listened to. (Dearden and Becker 2002)
Who are young carers?
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide, or intend to provide care, assistance or support to another family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill or who has a substance misuse problem. They carry out, often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks, taking on a level of responsibility that is inappropriate to their age or development. (SCIE 2005)
Young carers are often described as a hidden group; however it is the children’s responsibilities that are hidden, not the children themselves. All families are known to universal statutory services such as schools and primary care, but health and disability issues and caring responsibilities may not have been recognised.
Useful Contacts
Young Carers Project, Princess Royal Trust for Carers 0117 939 2562, email: young@carers-sg.org.uk
The Young Carers Project offers one-to-one and group support for young carers who meet the eligibility criteria. In addition, the project offers family support, telephone support, with home visits arranged as well as supporting the young carers in activities that the carers centre runs. Activities include trips out for young carers. The project also produces information about the issues faced by young carers, both for young carers themselves and professionals who work with them.
Common Assessment Framework (CAF) Support 01454 865734, email: integratedworking@southglos.gov.uk
The CAF is a common process which enables practitioners to make an assessment and act on the result, using a standard form to record the assessment and where appropriate, share with others. It covers all aspects that affect a child's development - health, education and social development through to housing and family relationships.
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