Young carers and safeguarding
We are composing this article in the run-up to Christmas, a time when many of us reflect on spending time with loved ones and taking a break from the stresses of daily life. However, this highlights a family reality in some UK households that often goes unnoticed: the growing number of children caring for family members with disabilities, illnesses, mental health conditions or substance misuse issues. For these young carers, school holidays can be especially isolating.
Young carers are children and young people, under the age of 18 who take on caregiving responsibilities typically expected of adults. These duties may include managing household chores, providing personal care and offering emotional support for loved ones. Some young carers begin this role at a very young age, while others take it on unexpectedly due to sudden changes in their family circumstances.
Estimates of how many young carers there are in the UK vary. According to The Children’s Society, data from the 2021 ONS census suggests there are around 120,000 young carers aged 5-18 in England. However, significant underreporting means the true number may be far higher, potentially exceeding one million when including those who remain unidentified or unsupported.
The circumstances of young carers sometimes raise safeguarding concerns, which can affect their futures. It is important for professionals and caregivers to understand the impact of caregiving responsibilities on young carers, as these can shape nearly every aspect of their lives. Recognising their unique needs and providing support is essential to helping them thrive now and in the future.
In this article, we examine some of the challenges faced by young carers and explore how targeted, tailored support can address areas where they may struggle. This young carers and safeguarding advice is intended not only for young carers but also for professionals, including teachers, healthcare providers and social workers as well as family and friends.
Safeguarding young carers
Education
Young carers face significant educational challenges due to the time and emotional energy caregiving requires. The Children’s Society reports that young carers typically achieve nine grades lower at GCSE than their peers, which can have long-term impacts on their future opportunities. Their learning is often disrupted and they miss more school than their classmates, leading to academic gaps that are difficult to bridge.
Many young carers hesitate to speak up about their struggles at school, leaving them without the support they need. Schools can help by fostering an empathetic, inclusive environment where students feel safe discussing their challenges. Early identification is key and staff should be trained to recognise signs that a child may be a young carer.
The Carers Trust emphasises that creating a non-judgemental space encourages young carers to seek help, reducing their emotional burden. Once a young carer feels comfortable opening up, school staff can provide tailored support, such as flexible deadlines or schedules to accommodate caregiving responsibilities. Additional academic assistance, such as tutoring, homework clubs or after-school study sessions, can also help young carers catch up on missed lessons.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
According to The Carers Trust, young carers are twice as likely to experience anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges compared to their peers. The Carers Trust recommends a variety of interventions to help overcome these challenges, such as counselling services, respite care, peer support groups and resilience-building programmes. These initiatives offer young carers a safe space to share their feelings and connect with others who understand their experiences. For example, the Young Carers in Schools Programme is a national initiative that helps schools run mental health awareness campaigns and provides activities to build emotional resilience and reduce stress.
Future Opportunities
Caregiving responsibilities often have long-term effects on young carers, impacting not only their academic success but also their transition into adulthood and career prospects. They may miss out on extracurricular activities, work experience and other formative opportunities essential for personal development. The Young Carers in Schools Programme addresses this by offering career guidance, mentoring and opportunities for extracurricular involvement, helping young carers broaden their horizons and explore future opportunities.
Conclusion
Young carers are unsung heroes who deserve recognition and support. They often face significant barriers to personal and academic development, which, without proper support, can create safeguarding challenges as well as limit their future opportunities and have long-term effects on their well-being. Professionals, schools and families must work together to provide a support system that offers both emotional and practical assistance, helping young carers experience childhood without the weight of their caring responsibilities.
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