Work with Young Carers
To be briefed in respect of the Council’s work with young carers.
Minutes:
The Head of Prevention and Early Intervention gave a presentation to the Panel on the service to provide support to young carers under the age of 18, or to young adult carers up to age 25. This included an assessment of what needed to change in order to prevent them from undertaking ‘excessive or inappropriate’ caring responsibilities which could impact on their welfare, wellbeing, education, or social development.
The service was co-ordinated by a Strategic Group, comprising a wide range of partners, who had developed terms of reference, a Young Carers Strategy, guidance for professionals and other appropriate protocols designed to underpin a range of provision to support young people in a caring role. The service was supported and endorsed by both The Carers Trust and The Children’s Society.
The Panel noted the profile of young carers in the Borough:
The Panel received information about the family assessment for young carers, which enabled the right advice and guidance to be offered, with targeted support or referral to the Early Intervention hub if appropriate. The Young Carers in Schools Award, produced and regulated by The Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, had been introduced. This featured bronze, silver and gold awards and had been very successful, producing noticeable improvements in the self-confidence of and attainment by young carers.
The Panel recognised that while details of the profile and support for young carers had been provided, the carers themselves did not identify as a group, nor did they wish to do so.
The Panel thanked Karen Frost for the interesting and informative presentation.