Young Carers and Their Families (Working Together For Children, Young People And Their Families)

Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who provide care for an ill or disabled parent or relative in the community, usually within their own home. They perform many of the same domestic, caring and other duties as adult carers but often without the recognition and support received by many adult carers. Recent legislation, the resultant media interest, and the work of care agencies and groups have raised the profile of these young carers' needs among professionals involved in child care, community care, health and education. The first comprehensive text on young carers and their families, this book is both research-based and accessible, and adopts an international perspective. It examines the background of young carers, their situations, their rights and their needs and uses case studies to illustrate experiences, relationships and dynamics. It discusses the effects of caring on the child's health and psychosocial development and considers the policy and legal context for young carers and their families, offering guidance on how to implement policy to offer the best support possible.