'Your friends don't understand': Invisibility and unmet need in the lives of 'young carers' |
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| Authors: | Nigel Thomas Timothy Stainton† Sonia Jackson‡ Wai Yee Cheung§ Samantha Doubtfire¶ Amanda Webb |
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| Institution: | Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Studies, University of Wales Swansea, UK,;Associate Professor, School of Social Work and Family Studies, University of British Columbia, Canada,;Research Professor, Institute of Education, University of London, UK,;Lecturer in Medical Sociology and Statistics, University of Wales Swansea,;Formerly Senior Research Assistant, University of Wales Swansea, and;Formerly Senior Research Assistant, University of Wales Swansea |
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| Abstract: | This paper is based on a study of the experiences of people identified as ‘young carers’, commissioned by the National Assembly for Wales as part of a wider review of carers’ needs and services. Following a brief review of some of the previous research in this area, the paper reports key findings of the research, using the words of children and young people as much as possible. It then goes on to explore some of the wider implications of this and other research for the identification and support of ‘young carers’ and their families, and for the understanding of the needs and wishes of children and young people so defined. The paper concludes with an alternative definition of a ‘young carer’ and with some recommendations for professional practice, suggesting that the role of social work is crucial in this area of service. |
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| Keywords: | children disability young carers young people |
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