Young Carers

Supporting Young Carers in York

Young carers are children who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or a substance misuse problem, taking on an inappropriate caring role ie. practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult and which have a detrimental effect on the young carer.

There is nationwide guidance on support for Young Carers issued by Directors for Children’s Services and Adult Social Services. In summary this says:

• Practitioners will consider, within a whole family approach, the impact of the disability or illness on each child within the family and what additional services may be needed to ensure care needs are met and to prevent a child taking on or continuing to hold inappropriate caring responsibilities.
• Whichever service identifies there is a young carer in the family, whether it is children’s or adults’ social services or PCT led, it is their responsibility to assess the needs of that young carer within that family context.

The approach being taken in York is that assessment of young carers will be undertaken using an Early Help Assessment or Common Assessment Framework (CAF). Needs will be generally met through mainstream services.

Support in Schools

A sample young carers policy for schools has been developed by the York Carers Centre

Young Carers Card

This is a pilot project for young carers in 2 secondary schools which young people can show to teachers if they need support. More detail available via York Carers Centre.

Young Carers Revolution

Young Carers Revolution is a movement of change for young carers in York. By developing a voice for young carers and using it well, this will make a positive difference to issues faced by young carers. You can also view a DVD made by the group, "The Unusual Suspects", to find out more about what it means to be a young carer.

Further information

The Children’s Society undertakes national work for young carers as does The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Raising Awareness

An ‘e-learning tool on the Needs of Young Carers has been developed.

York Carers Centre is an independent body that helps unpaid carers in York find the support they need. They offer support to young people aged 8 to 18 years who are helping to look after someone at home.