Barnardo's · 2017
This Barnardo's report examines how well young carers in England are being identified and supported, ten years after Barnardo's first investigated the issue. Drawing on surveys of over 800 teachers, 79 young carers, and 40+ Barnardo's practitioners, as well as focus groups, the report finds that while legislation has improved identification, funding has not kept pace with increased referrals, and many young carers continue to miss school, suffer poor mental health, and sacrifice educational and employment opportunities. The report makes 34 recommendations to government, local authorities, schools, and health services to improve identification, support pathways, and reduce the caring burden on young people.