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Working with Young Carers

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 practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

Policy and planning

Professionals who have responsibility for planning and developing services for young carers in their local area can access specialist advice and information in this section.

Assessments

Assessments should take the whole family’s needs into consideration to most effectively support young carers. Access government guidance here and find out more about assessing young carers.

Education

Teachers are often the first point of contact for identification and referral of young carers. Here you can find information and practical examples to help you make your school more young carer friendly.

Health

Young carers often lack key information about the health conditions of family members that they are caring for and many also experience their own health problems as a result of their caring responsibilities.

Social exclusion

The move into adulthood for young carers can be disadvantaged by lack of qualifications, limited social skills and a continuing caring role. This section focuses on the needs of young carers in transition and on substance misuse problems.

Voluntary sector

Those working in the voluntary sector who have contact with young carers or their family members can find useful information and guidance in this section on how to support them and their families.

New Schools Resource Pack

Supporting Young Carers: a resource for schools Do you care? Schools Resource Pack
New Schools Resource Pack

Young Adult Carers Study

Young Adult Carers in the UK: Experiences, Needs and Services for Carers aged 16-24 a young adult carer with her younger brother
Young Adult Carers Study

Carers Strategy

Find out more and read our responses Who is a carer? Photo of a carer with her daughter
Carers Strategy

Book Your Place Now

Young Carers Workers Conference 2010 Young Carers Workers Conference 2010
Book Your Place Now

Young Carers

Under 19? Visit our young carers site for support and advice. Young Carers.net
Young Carers

Carers Leads

Join our networks for carers leads Sandwell PCT winning a Simply Health award 2007
Carers Leads

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