Definition a Young Carer

"An individual under the age of 18 with a relative whose activities of daily living are restricted by a chronic disability, long-term mental or physical illness, substance abuse problem or other socio-economic factors such as a language barrier."
(YCIN definition)

Age of Young Carers

Young carers are usually identified as being 18 years old and under. Some children take on a caring role at a very early age. Brendon, for example, in the above picture, was only 31/2 years old when he helped his "momma" get well. Research from Britain tells us the majority of young carers are in the 8 to 12 year old range. Sometimes it depends on definition. Young carers In Australia have been defined as "youth and children under the age of 26." There is no clear consensus as to what the age range should be.

The Care Recipient: Who do young carers look after?

• Parents
  
• Grandparents
  
• Siblings
  
• Aunts and Uncles
  
• Family friends
  

Some studies have found that the majority of care recipients are mothers.

Young carers can be in a caring role that is Primary, Supportive or Sibling. A Primary carer is the sole care provider. These young carers take on an adult caring role in the absence of one or both parents. A Supportive carer helps an adult, usually a parent, provide the care. A Sibling carer, like Allesandra in the above picture, helps a brother or sister.