Young Carers

YOUNG CARERS

Definitions Children under the age of 18 who are providing primary care for a sick or disabled relative at home. (Aldridge & Becker,1993) Is a person under the age of 19 who takes some or all the responsibility for looking after someone else – usually a parent or relative – who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or who suffers from drug and/or alcohol addiction. (Thomas, Stainton, Jackson, Cheung, Doubtfire, & Webb 2003)

NHS and community care act 1990 All young carers = entitled Carers Assessment under the 1995 Carer’s Act, when person = looking after is being assessed under NHS and Community Care Act 1990 (Slatcher & Frank, 2012) To access help: a social worker/ health/ social care professional looks at needs of somebody with an illness/ disability & assesses what community care services meet needs. (Carers.org, 2012)  LAs can charge for services after community care assessment, but = subject to a means tested financial assessment.  (Carers.org, 2012) Section 17) emphasises that a principal purpose for the provision of services to children in need is to promote the upbringing of such children by their families. (Clements, 2009) Section 2) LAs can provide services such as physical help, training or counselling for carers. (http://www.devon.gov.uk)

Aims of NHS & Community care act 1990: • To enable people to live in their own homes where feasible •To ensure= high priority of  practical support of carers •To make proper assessment of need & good care management to ensure high quality care •To clarify responsibilities of agencies & make it easier to hold them account for their performance •To secure better value for taxpayers’ money by introducing a new funding structure for social care

Summary of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995:Offers all carers the right to have their needs assessed when the care recipient is assessed.  Also the first piece of legislation to specifically include young carers.

Child protection and child carersIn 1989, world leaders officially recognised the human rights of children ( under 18) by signing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. (UNICEF)It states that a child has the rights to (these are some examples):  childhood  Education Good health To be treated fairly To be heard However, the role of a young carer may deny children of certain rights: non-discrimination (Article 2) access to information (Article 17) the right to an education (Article 28) the right to develop their full potential (Article 29) the right to rest and leisure, play and recreation (Article 31)

The Children Act 1989:Aims of the Act To have a balance between protecting children & enabling parents to challenge state intervention To encourage a better partnership between authorities and parents; To promote voluntary arrangements Summary: Assumes children are best raised in their own homes Argues that welfare is the most important aspect Argues court orders should be carried out with the intention of improving a child's welfare Argues that the view of the child should be taken into account

Defining Young Carers by the 1989 ActSome may be regarded as children in need and to be eligible for services and support. This is because by section 17: a child in need =“is unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health and development” or “health or development is likely to be significantly impaired or further impaired.”

Governmental Schemes    Every Child Matters   A Labour policy implemented by former Labour Prime Minster, Tony Blair.   · Scheme created due to: Past failings (e.g. death of Victoria Climbié)   · Aims: ensure good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement, the make a positive contribution and economic wellbeing.   · Methods used to achieve goals: Sure Start centres, extended school services (e.g. breakfast clubs), Young People’s Fund, child & adolescent mental health services, improvement to speech & language therapy, tackle homelessness and reforming the Youth Justice System.  

•Difficulties in relationships with same age peers

•Less time than other children for leisure and social activities

•Stress, depression and poor physical health

•Educational difficulties due to lack of time and concentration

•Secretive regarding caring role

• May experience care system if lone parent hospitalised

• ‘False’ maturity – grow up very quickly

• Often excluded from discussions with professionals

•Once caring roles established, more difficult to address the situation

• Difficult transitions into adulthood 

Young Carers Notes

Potential Impacts