CYSCP

A young carer is a child or young person up to the age of 18 whose life is affected by being a carer for someone with a:

• disability
• long-term illness
• mental health problem
• problem with drugs or alcohol

Young carers provide care 'above that normally expected of someone their age'. The responsibilities young carers take on can differ based on the situation, the extent and regularity of care required, and the structure and dynamics of the family.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) highlights the importance of identifying, assessing, and supporting young carers. It emphasises the need for agencies to collaborate and work in partnership to support families of young carers through a whole-family approach, which is a method of support and intervention that considers the needs, strengths, and dynamics of the entire family unit rather than focusing on individual members in isolation.

Working Together (2023) states that if a young carer is identified as requiring support, A Young Carer’s Needs Assessment should be carried out under section 17ZA of the Children Act 1989. This assessment will evaluate whether it is suitable or excessive for the young carer to provide care for the individual in question (which could be a sibling, parent, or another family member), taking into account the young carer's needs and wishes as well as the needs of the family as a whole. The assessing body must also consider if the assessment could be combined with any other assessment of the needs for support of the young carer, the person cared for, or a member of the young carer’s family. Children’s and Adult’s services must work in partnership and ensure a joined-up approach when carrying out assessments and in the provision of any support. The guidance highlights the importance of communicating to young carers and their families that any assessment provided will focus on the young person's own needs, rather than evaluating their performance in their caring duties.

Professionals can and should complete any Young Carers Assessments for families they are working with, conducting joint assessments alongside any other services such as adult social care where relevant. Professionals can also request a Young Carer’s Needs Assessment by completing a referral to York Carers Centre. The York Carers Centre can be contacted on 01904 715490 or by emailing [email protected].

York Carers Centre

Part of the support and services that York Carer’s Centre provides is tailored to young carers aged 5 to 18 who have caregiving responsibilities at home. These include:

• one-to-one support sessions.
• regular groups to meet other young carers. 
• trips and activities to have a break from caring responsibilities.
• young carer assessments.
• Young Carer’s Card, for young carers in secondary schools who are finding school difficult because of their caring responsibilities. Young carers can carry the card with them and show it to teachers when they need support.
• Carers Discount Card, for discounts at various York cafes, shops, taxi services, and more.
• Carers Emergency Card, a free scheme in partnership with Be Independent  for those caring for an adult. Provides peace of mind for young carers who can carry a card with links to an emergency contact.

Anyone can make a referral to the York Carer’s Centre, including:

• parents/guardians
• professionals and agencies 
• young people can make the referral for themselves, however parental consent must be sought

Young Carers Covenant

The Carers Trust introduced the Young Carers Covenant which is a UK-wide commitment to young carers aged 5-18 and young adult carers  aged 18-25. It sets out ten key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives. It was drawn up by the Carers Trust and members of the Young Carers Alliance. The Young Carers Covenant was launched on Young Carers Action Day 2024.

The ten key changes that will improve young carers’ life chances and secure a fair future for all young carers and young adult carers are as follows:

All young carers and young adult carers:

• are identified at the earliest opportunity
• are able to thrive in education
• can access and succeed in employment/training opportunities
• have time for themselves
• are safe and secure
• can access support for themselves and their family
• feel they have choices in their lives
• have good physical and mental health
• can access and benefit from the rights they have
• live free from poverty

By signing the covenant, your organisation has the chance to collaborate with others to create meaningful change.