Relational child & youth care practice

The article focuses on the Young Carers Program of Hospice Toronto, a non-profit group that provides volunteer-based, in-home hospice and palliative care services. Information on the key objectives of the program is provided. Both children and youth who assumes a caregiving role for a family member are supported by the program. A variety of weekly activities, workshops and special events are facilitated by the program throughout Toronto, Ontario.

The author reflects on the invisibility of young carers in North America. According to the author, these young people are hyper-mature for their age and usually take on adult responsibilities in their families. He says these people sacrifice their childhood to care for family members. Information on support programmes for young carers in North America is provided.

The author reflects on her work at a child and youth care worker program in Algonquin, Ontario. She relates the stories of families that arrive at the shelter, as well as the sacrifices of young carers in these families. According to the author, her work at the shelter provided an opportunity to observe family functioning. She emphasizes that the goal of providing support and service to the family is to ease the responsibility or burden of the young caregiver.