Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Young carers

Children and young people who care for a family member have their own rights to assessment and support, and schools and colleges can play an important role.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

How this differs across the UK

  • England: young carers can ask for an assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014.
  • Scotland: young carers can ask for a Young Carer Statement under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016.
  • Wales: young carers have a right to a needs assessment under Welsh social services law.
  • Northern Ireland: young carers can be assessed and supported by their Health and Social Care Trust.

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after a family member with an illness, disability, mental health condition or drug or alcohol problem.

Young carers have the right to be identified and supported so that caring does not damage their education, health or chances in life.

Support at school and college

  • Schools can offer flexibility around homework deadlines, attendance and access to a trusted adult.
  • Many areas have a Young Carers ID card recognised by schools, GPs and some transport providers.
  • Young carers' groups run by local charities offer a break, peer support and activities.

Whole-family assessment

Where possible, assessments should look at the whole family's needs together, so that support for the adult with a disability or illness reduces how much a child has to do.

  • A young carer's assessment should consider whether the level of caring is appropriate for their age.
  • Concerns about a child taking on an inappropriate level of care should be raised with children's social care.

Checklist

  • Tell the young person's school or college that they have caring responsibilities.
  • Ask the local young carers' service for an assessment and to join their support group.
  • Check whether the family as a whole is getting enough support, so the child is not doing too much.
  • Ask about a Young Carers ID card.
  • Keep communication open with the young person about how caring is affecting them.
  • Know how to raise a safeguarding concern if a child's caring role seems to be putting them at risk.

Common mistakes

  • Not realising a child is acting as a carer because they seem to be coping.
  • Leaving school unaware of a pupil's caring role, so attendance or behaviour issues are misunderstood.
  • Treating young carer support as a one-off rather than checking in as circumstances change.
  • Not considering whether the family needs more adult support, rather than more support for the child alone.

Organisations that can help