Child caregivers

Young people often demonstrate considerable commitment, resilience and skill within their roles as young carers. Their contributions, however are regularly devalued or unrecognized by the systems that seek to support them. In this article we examine existing knowledge on why and how young people become young carers and the influences such a role can have on them. We also look at policy and practice issues related to young carers. 

Young people who provide unpaid care for a relative with chronic illness or disability are a growing focus of public policy and research in Australia and internationally. Support services for these young carers have emerged, but not enough is known about their effectiveness. This article develops an analytical framework that categorizes young carer support services according to their goals and the types of intervention provided. The analytical framework is based on Australian data.

The article focuses on young carers in Great Britain. It states that the recent split of council social services for adults and children has resulted in young carers falling through the gap. A pilot project is being made with the Children's Society to develop pathways for young carers and their families.

Is it a sign of weakness for a social worker to feel emotional pain when a client dies in tragic circumstances? No, says Mark Sloman

Looks at a support group organized for young carers who have parents with a mental health problem. Highlights of the story of an 11-year old boy who lives with his mother with bipolar mood disorder; Estimated number of young carers who provide care for a parent with mental health problem; Impact of living with mentally ill parent on children.

The article reports that nine-year old Chelsea Nye got a free cookery lesson from Ashley Palmer Watts, head chef of the Fat Duck restaurant in London, England. It notes that the chef was so impressed by a cookbook made by young carers at charity Jigsaw4u that he offered them the chance to hone their skills. It cites that Watts and the children cooked a three-course meal at the event in Mitcham, Surrey, England, organised by the charity.

The article presents abstracts of studies about children who are living with and caring for parents with mental health problems, the pespectives of young carers, parents and professionals about child caregivers, and the experiences and needs of children caring for parents with severe and enduring mental illness.

Presents school management guidelines for dealing with child caregivers in Great Britain. Tendency to be regularly late or to hand in homework on time; Looking after family members with disabilities, mental illness, or substance abuse problems; Experience of schooling; Impact of caregiving responsibilities on academic achievement.

Presents a study which examined how the lives of young carers differ from other children and young people in the population who are not looking after someone who is sick or disabled. Method employed in the study; Personal and intimate care tasks undertaken by young carers; Effects of different caring experiences on children and young people's lives.