Definition of a Young Carer: A young person who provides support for a family member or friend who has a disability, chronic medical condition, drug and/or alcohol relatedcondition, mental health related issues or who is frail aged and is aged between 8-24 years of age is formally recognised as a Young Carer. Sometimes Young Carers may be the main carers, however they may also provide support to their siblings and/or parents. There are approximately 170,000 under the age of 18 in Australia, although this number is under-estimated because Young Carers remain hidden and not always formally identified (Carers NSW 2005).
Young Carers usually have more responsibilities than other young people of their age and sometimes they share this role with other family members. The effects of caring have a huge impact on education, social, emotional and physical development often leading to stress, few friends and feelings of loneliness.