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A young carer is a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person (Section 96 of the Children and Families Act 2014).
This relates to care for any family member who is physically or mentally ill, frail, elderly, disabled or misuses alcohol or substances.
The key principle is that:
‘Children should not undertake inappropriate or excessive caring roles that may have an impact on their development. A young carer becomes vulnerable when their caring role risks impacting upon their emotional or physical well-being and their prospects in education and life.’ (Care and Support Statutory Guidance. Issued under the Care Act. DH 2014. Paragraph 2.49).
Caring can be broken down into three types;
Who does a young carer help look after?
Why may someone be a young carer?
If they’re helping look after someone with:
When is someone not a young carer?
For someone to be a young carer, there is always a health need.
There are young carers groups in secondary schools, across the city. In addition there are other community based support groups:
There are also other activities organised for young people 5 to 18 years old during school holidays.
Under the Children & Families Act 2014, children have a right to a young carers assessment – this means that they have a right to be supported and get the help they need.
To request the Young Carers Assessment and referral Form – please email youngcarers.youngcarers@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
For more advice and support, contact:
Young Carers Team
Somerstown Family Hub
Omega Street
Southsea
PO5 4LP
Phone: 023 9268 8499