Carers Australia have put out the following media release:
From disadvantage to equality for young carers?
It’s Youth Week 2010. Another 12 months has passed and young carers remain disadvantaged.
Across Australia around 380,000 young people under the age of 25 are providing unpaid care and assistance for family members with a chronic illness, disability, mental illness, who are frail aged or who have alcohol or other drug problems.
Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes said “Young carers make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy by easing the financial burden on government across the health and community care sectors.”
“The care they provide can help people stay out of residential facilities and enhance the quality of life for the person for whom they are caring.”
A lot of young carers are proud of who they are and what they do. Sometimes though, they face challenges and it can be tough. It can affect how they feel, how much time they spend with their friends, how they manage their schoolwork, or holding down a job.
Youth Week is a time to think about and acknowledge young carers in our community.
“We want all young carers to be able to reach their full potential,,“ said Ms Hughes.
The government needs to urgently increase the support available to young carers, particularly in the areas of education and employment. Their caring should not restrict their ability to achieve their personal goals.
The government’s recent social inclusion report A Stronger Fairer Australia identified young carers as likely to be at particular risk of long-term disadvantage and social exclusion because of their caring responsibilities and emphasised the importance of identification and support.
Often young carers are unable to fully engage in many of the activities that other young people take for granted. For many young carers, flexible and supportive care and respite, education and employment policies are key factors in improving financial independence and social development.
Another 12 months cannot pass without real change for young carers.
Their future is now.
Carers Australia is the recognised national voice of Australian carers. Our members are the carers associations in each state and territory. We have no political affiliation. We work with all parties to achieve better outcomes for all carers.
We believe that all carers are entitled to the same rights, choices and opportunities as other Australians.
Phil Saunders
Policy Project Officer
Carers SA
PO Box 410 Unley SA 5061
08 8291 5600
