| Young carers are children and young people who care or help care within a family where someone experiences an illness, disability, drug or alcohol addiction, mental illness or chronic disease. It is estimated that between 6-10% of the youth population have such caring responsibilities within their household and this total figure now equates to approximately 400 000 young people across Australia. Although these figures may seem high it is possible that they are hugely underestimated as Young Carers often remain, ‘hidden’ in the community for a range of reasons.
Research undertaken by Carers Australia for the Department of Family and Community Services found that the major needs of young carers included the following: - Opportunities for young carers to obtain peer group support and interaction;
- Specific carer programs designed to provide support for a younger age group;
- More agencies who can provide counselling and other forms of assistance to young carers;
- A sympathetic and flexible education system to accommodate young career’s time imposts;
- Adequate income support, especially for families with special needs; and,
- More community and school (educational institutions) awareness to further develop an understanding of the needs of the disabled in our community and the care which they require.
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| | The Kids Who Care Foundation works to support these young people who have extra ordinary caring responsibilities which include but are not limited to; providing emotional support, assisting with personal care or mobility, assisting with household chores, caring for other relatives and/or providing financial support. |
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