Young carer’s toolkit

The new young carer’s toolkit is available to assist practitioners in identifying, and putting appropriate support in place for, young carers.

Children can be carrying out a caring role from as young as 4 years old and guidance states that young carers should not be left with inappropriate levels of caring. This is described as “anything which is likely to have an impact on the child’s health, wellbeing or education, or which can be considered unsuitable in light of the child’s circumstances and may include, personal care such as bathing and toileting, carrying out strenuous physical tasks such as lifting, administering medication, maintaining the family budget and emotional support to the adult.

The DYC My Young Carer Life Toolkit will facilitate an early understanding of whether the child or young person is caring, the extent of their involvement, and the effects this has on them. It will also assist services and the family in determining which support services are most appropriate. This tool complements any comprehensive assessment or referral procedure, ensuring that young carers obtain the necessary support promptly.

For more information, and to access the toolkit, visit: My Young Carer Life Toolkit | Westbank

For any support around the toolkit, please contact: youngcarers@devoncarers.org.uk