Young carers to be given new rights to support

This article first appeared in Children and Young People Now.

The amendment to the Children and Families Bill will mean all young carers under the age of 18 will be entitled to an assessment of their support needs.

Local authorities will also be asked to assess young carers alongside the person they care for, so a "rounded package of support for the whole family" can be provided.
The amendment also simplifies the law relating to young carers, making their rights and duties clearer to both young people and professionals.

Children's minister Edward Timpson said that although young carers selflessly provide support around the clock for people they love, they can often overlook their own needs.

"This is why we must put in place a system that supports them and enables them to live a full life, as well as protecting them from excessive or inappropriate caring responsibilities," he said.

"Today's amendment to the Children and Families Bill will make it easier for these vulnerable young people to get the help they so desperately need, and I know it will be welcomed by many young carers and their families."

The move represents a victory for children's campaigners, who have long argued for the estimated 160,000 children and young people in England who care for family members to be given the same rights and support as adult carers.

The National Young Carers Coalition (NYCC), a group of charities that campaign on behalf of young carers, said the amendment signalled a "new era of support" for children who care for their parents, siblings and family members.

Moira Fraser, chair of the NYCC and director of policy and research at Carers Trust, said: "The NYCC has been campaigning for over a year for the government to change the law for young carers so that they have stronger rights to assessment and support and protection from inappropriate caring through assessment and support of the whole family.

"We are delighted that the Secretary of State has put forward this proposed amendment and indicated that the Care Bill will also protect young carers.

Read the full article on the Children and Young People Now website.