Young Carers and Safeguarding
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Young Carers and Safeguarding
We write this article as Christmas approaches, a time when many of us look forward to a well-earned break and the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. However, for some families, this season serves as a stark reminder of the silent struggles faced by young carers. These are children and teens who dedicate their time to looking after loved ones with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or substance misuse issues and shoulder the responsibility of doing adult tasks ranging from cooking and cleaning to offering emotional and physical support for their family members. For them, holidays can amplify feelings of isolation and responsibility.
The true scale of young carers is difficult to gauge. Official estimates from the 2021 ONS census suggest around 120,000 young carers aged 5-18 years old live in England. However, experts, believe the actual number could be over a million when factoring in those who remain unreported or unsupported.
The Burden for Young Carers and the Safeguarding Challenge
For children or young people caring for others, whether it is a long-term responsibility or one thrust upon them due to a change in their life circumstances, this role can have a major impact and influence every part of their lives. This additional burden may even raise safeguarding concerns that often go unnoticed. Understanding the pressures faced by young carers helps address any additional needs and ensures their safety and well-being.
Academic Challenges
Balancing caregiving duties with academic expectations is one of the most significant challenges faced by young carers. Their responsibilities often lead to missed school days, interrupted learning and difficulty keeping up with lessons.
Yet many young carers remain silent about their struggles in school, fearing stigma or judgement, but schools should play a role in creating a safe, understanding environment where young carers feel empowered to seek help. Practical help for educational staff and young carers to help them with their education could include:
- Training staff to recognise the signs that somebody may be a young carer.
- Offering opportunities for confidential discussions between education staff and the young carer.
- Practical support is offered to the young carer, such as flexible timetables, extensions on assignments and access to academic resources like tutoring and homework clubs.
Mental Health Challenges
Young carers can be affected by anxiety, depression and stress as well as other mental health challenges. Research from The Carers Trust highlights that they are twice as likely to experience these difficulties compared to their peers. Interventions such as counselling, peer support networks and respite care can help support them.
One example of a programme that is designed to support young carers is the Young Carers in Schools Programme. It helps schools run mental health campaigns and host activities that build emotional resilience for young carers. These initiatives create safe spaces where young carers can connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and boosting their overall well-being.
Future Prospects
The impact of caregiving responsibilities doesn’t stop at school. Many young carers may miss out on extracurricular activities, career preparation and other developmental opportunities that shape their futures and help them transition to adulthood. Initiatives such as career mentoring and opportunities for skill building can help young carers broaden their horizons and explore pathways that may produce openings for future jobs and career prospects.
Young carers play an extraordinary role in supporting their families, but they often do so at a personal cost. Without appropriate support systems, the pressures they face can hinder their emotional, academic and social development, potentially impacting their futures in lots of different ways.
To safeguard young carers, collaboration is essential. Schools, professionals, families and communities must work together to provide practical and emotional assistance, ensuring these children can experience their youth while being supported in their caregiving roles. With the right measures in place, we can help young carers thrive and unlock their full potential.
Resources
If you would like more help choosing the best safeguarding course for yourself or your organisation, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team by calling us on 01327 552030, emailing us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk or using the contact form on our website.