Local Authority Duty To Support Young Carers

Under section 96 of the Children and Families Act, 2014, there is now a statutory duty placed on the Local Authority to assess and provide support to young people who are undertaking a caring role within their families.

Whilst the assessment will look at what caring a young carer is undertaking, there is also a requirement for the Local Authority to take into account the impact caring duties are having on any young carer.

Essex Youth Service is responsible in Essex for undertaking the young carers assessments on behalf of the Local Authority. A new Young Carer’s Service has been formed, where Young Carers Key Workers will complete the assessment and offer free tailored support to young carers and their families, to offer guidance in accessing appropriate support provision.

If you would like to find out more information about the support available for young carers, please follow this link http://youth.essex.gov.uk/schools/young-carers-service/