Page 46 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Children and young people who are Young Carers Definition A Young Carer is 'a child or young person aged under 18 who has a significant role in looking after someone else who is experiencing illness or disability ' ( Getting it right for Young Carers, the Young Carers Strategy for Scotland 2010-15 ( Care 21 Report Definition) Brief Overview Many young people can benefit from providing care to a relative or friend affected by illness, disability or substance misuse. For some, it can provide them with personal skills and an important role in the family, making them feel valued and included. However the demands of caring can also be onerous and can have an adverse impact on young carers' health and well-being. The responsibilities of caring can deny a young person their rights and can compromise their safety. It is therefore important that they are relieved of inappropriate caring roles and are supported to be children and young people first and foremost. Young Carers as a term encompasses a wide range of types of caring, durations and intensity of caring, and for whom they are caring (e.g. adult or sibling). Many children and young people do not see themselves as 'carers' and there can be difficulties around arrangements for identifying, assessing and supporting Young Carers. GIRFEC's unified approach provides a framework for practitioners to gather and analyse information about a young person's strengths, pressures and support needs. Importantly it also actively involves the young person in assessment and action planning. The approach is advocated by the Scottish Government for Young Carers assessment. In North Ayrshire we aim to support Young Carers through ensuring they have an assessment of their needs and a Child’s Plan. As soon as there is any suggestion a child or young person is Young Carer an assessment and Child’s Plan should be initiated. North Ayrshire Carers Centre provides time-out and support to young carers through the whole of North Ayrshire and provides information, advice and support, individual and group activities dependent on the need of the young person, access to other resources within the community, and PSE lessons to first year Secondary school pupils. If you think a child or young person you have contact with is a Young Carer contact the Centre at northayrshire.carers@unity-enterprise.com. Further Guidance Getting it right for Young Carers, the Young Carers Strategy for Scotland 2010-15 addresses the very specific issues for young carers and recognises that their needs can be different to adult carers with the consequent need for different responses. North Ayrshire is addressing the key points in the national strategy in improving services for young carers. Page 46