Young carers
The consultation process provided an opportunity to find out more about the needs of young carers. There has been little research and not much empirical evidence about young carers in Australia, and specifically in Queensland.
Participants were asked whether they were young carers or knew young carers and were then asked questions about the impact of caring on young carers and how this policy may be able to assist them. Although the number of responses to these questions is quite low, the information is all that is available to date in Queensland and provides a useful starting point for further research.
One individual identified as a carer under 18 years of age, two individuals stated they were responding on behalf of a carer under 18 years, 19 individuals and four organisations stated that they knew carer/s under 18 years of age. Of the individuals and organisations who stated that they knew young carers, the numbers they reported knowing varied between one to five.
Meetings
The range of issues raised at the consultation meetings was almost identical to those raised in the written submissions, although there was more discussion and concern expressed about the young carers taking on the role of primary carer. The level of discussion this issue generated at the consultation meetings strongly suggests that this issue requires further investigation by the Interdepartmental Committee and referral to the Commission for Children and Young People.
Participants were asked to answer this question "How do you think being a primary carer under the age of 18 impacts on a young person's life, for example relationships, social development, participation in education and employment activities etc"
Participants who responded to this question expressed concern about the prospect of young carers taking on the role of primary carer because it was largely seen as impacting negatively on their educational, social and emotional development. Some participants expressed their beliefs that young primary carers were being exploited and should be removed from their natural families.
However the majority indicated that they would not like to see a young carer removed from their natural family, but rather wanted them to be provided with adequate respite and support.
The need for training of young carers was specifically mentioned. Young carers were seen as needing to be identified so that they could be provided with adequate support and assistance, although the difficulties of doing this were mentioned. Interestingly the one young carer who responded to this question did not see the caring role as a negative experience commenting that her organisational skills and maturity were better developed than most of her peers.
Participants were asked to answer this question "How do you think a Carer Recognition Policy can support young carers under the age of 18?"
Overwhelmingly, participants who responded to these questions were concerned that young carers needed to receive adequate support so that their caring responsibilities would not impact negatively on their lives. The need for age appropriate supports for young carers was raised. Many practical suggestions were made such as providing camps with peers as a form of respite.
The difficulties of young carers taking on the responsibilities of an adult, when they are generally treated as a child by service providers, teachers and society in general was mentioned. Many participants commented that young carers should be made a priority for services and in particular receive assistance to complete their education.
The need for further research into the issue of young carers was raised frequently. In addition, some participants discussed the need for research into the affect of caring for a sibling on children who are not primary carers.
Last updated February 2009