Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This paper discusses the situation of young carers, a population of children, young people and young adults who have received little attention in Aotearoa New Zealand social policy, social work practice and research.METHOD: The authors draw attention to the status and needs of this group through a review of literature and through their reflections, as two English-registered social workers, on practice with young carers in the United Kingdom.FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: The paper argues that young carers are a vulnerable, invisible group who require recognition and respect. Using a children’s rights framework,it is suggested that more attention should be given by social workers to understanding the complexity of this role, and the rights of young carers as children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Highlights
This paper discusses the situation of young carers, a population of children, young people and young adults who have received little attention in Aotearoa New Zealand social policy, social work practice and research
Social workers in the United Kingdom (UK) have a statutory duty of care under the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 to assess the situation of young carers, mechanisms for screening and assessing the needs of young carers vary in quality, are inconsistent, or do not exist (Aldridge, 2018)
Aotearoa New Zealand is a signatory to the UNCRC and, according to Article 12, the state has a responsibility to guarantee that all children have a voice, to recognise that they are capable of forming their own views, have the right to express their views and have them taken seriously
Summary
This paper discusses the situation of young carers, a population of children, young people and young adults who have received little attention in Aotearoa New Zealand social policy, social work practice and research. Mahi Aroha Caring for Carers, the discussion document on “The proposed carers strategy action plan 2019–2023” states that there are approximately 40,000 young carers in New Zealand The NZ Carers strategy (MSD, 2014) recognises young carers as a distinct group, they have not received anywhere near the levels of attention here as they have in other countries, such as the UK, Australia, Ireland and the US. Young Carers New Zealand describe young carers as a special interest group for children and young people who help to support ill, elderly, and disabled friends and family members. Young carers often support people who have an addiction (Supporting Families (n.d.), see supportingfamilies.org.nz)
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