Parents and professionals

A young carer is defined as a child or young person who undertakes care for a parent, sibling, grandparent or other relative who is affected by:

• A physical disability
• Mental health condition
• Learning disability
• Life limiting condition
• Sensory impairment
• Misuses alcohol or drugs
• Any other long term illness or condition

Identifying young carers

Social workers and professionals within an education setting such as teachers or support staff have been widely recognised as the people who are potentially most likely to identify hidden young carers.

In school, young carers often present as mature for their age with no or few peer relationships.

Some indicators that a young person may be a young carer are:

• They are often late or miss school for no apparent reason, often with parental permission
• They may be underachieving at school or struggling to keep up with homework, often handing in work late or of poor quality
• They can present as being tired or withdrawn or not want to talk about their home life
• Have difficulty in taking part in after schools clubs or outside activities
• Are often isolated from their peers or a victim or bullying
• Express anxiety or concern over someone at home (the person they care for)
• Have behavioral problems or have difficulty concentrating.