Young Carers
A young carer is someone under 18 who cares for another person. A young carer might look after someone because they’re sick, or have a disability, or mental health issues, or drug or alcohol misuse issues. A young carer’s life can be demanding. They have to balance their caring responsibilities with school work, sports, friends, looking after themselves and pursuing their dreams.
A young carer might look after someone because they’re sick, or have a disability or mental health issues. Or, if a parent or family member has an alcohol or drug problem, they may be unable to care for themselves or anyone else.
Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014, there is a duty on the Local Authority, working with partners to actively identify young carers and ensure they receive the support they need. To do this, it is essential for agencies and professionals across the partnership to be aware of and able to identify young carers.
Source: Carers Trust, 2020
How to identify a possible young carer
- Withdrawing into themselves and becoming anxious or frustrated
- Sudden changes in concentration or educational performance
- Changes in attendance patterns (possibly linked to fear of leaving an unwell parent), school refusal, being late
- Other behaviour changes – particularly longer-term challenging behaviour
- A change in how organised and ready for school they are
- Physical health problems
- Frequent unexplained angry outbursts
- Being tired (possibly due to anxiety or being woken by unwell parents).
How to get help for a young carer
Support and Resources
Make a referral for support
Local Support for Young Carers
