Introduction.
Successive Scottish Government policies and guidance have consistently emphasized the responsibilities of all agencies to safeguard and provide for the welfare of children and young people and to ensure that they get the help they need when they need it.
West Dunbartonshire's Young Carers Strategy Group, a multi-agency forum representing the statutory agencies as well as voluntary and charitable groups, has the responsibility for ensuring that our policies and strategies meet the needs of young carers.
Our policy states that:
"we will promote and safeguard the rights and well-being of all young carers in West Dunbartonshire, support them so they can take part in normal childhood experiences and activities and enable them to reach their full potential".
About Young Carers.
It is difficult to establish the number of young people in Scotland who provide a caring role to support their families. Young carers are often hidden, they are not always identified by agencies, their needs not recognised or supported. Research would seem to indicate numbers are increasing. Informed by research, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers estimates that 12% of all young people in Scotland are carers. West Dunbartonshire has a population of approximately 15,000 children and young people between the ages of 7 and 19 which would indicate a potential prevalence of up to 1,800 young carers in the authority area.
Young carers often have mixed feelings about their caring role. For some it can be a positive and rewarding experience, a part of their life of which they are proud, giving them a sense of value and purpose, building confidence and self esteem. However, they may also feel angry, guilty or frustrated when caring gets in the way of the life they would like to lead.
Our responsibility.
The Scottish Government’s Getting It Right for Every Child policy promotes the requirement for children and young people to get the help they need, when they need it. A key element of local implementation of this policy is West Dunbartonshire’s Integrated Assessment Framework for Children. Relevant agencies can contribute to the assessment process leading to one comprehensive Child’s Plan.
It is important that staff in all services, adult and health services as well as those working primarily with children, are always alert to the possibility that a child or young person might be taking on the responsibility of caring at home. The presence and role of children and young people within a household should be identified in all care plans.
More Information.
Who do I contact if I need more information about young carers?
Contact:
Robert Auld
Research, Planning and Strategy Section,
Social Work Office
Leven Valley Enterprise Centre
5 Castlehill Road,
Dumbarton
G82 5BN
Tel 01389 608141
or email robert.auld@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
If you need further information on young carers please access any of the documents noted below or link to other helpful websites listed.
1. West Dunbartonshire Young Carers Strategy.
Useful links:
Y-Sort It.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
