Key messages
- young carers experience unequal access to resources, support and recognition compared to adult carers
- gaps in social policy limit access to appropriate support, financial assistance and links with education
- caring responsibilities contribute to school absence, lower academic attainment and reduced social participation
- stigma discourages some young carers from seeking help and contributes to their needs being overlooked
- more inclusive policies are needed to address the specific challenges faced by young carers.
Policy implications
- social care and education policy may need to better recognise young carers as a distinct group
- targeted, accessible support could reduce educational and wellbeing inequalities
- closer integration between social care and education systems may help identify and support young carers earlier
- stigma reduction should be considered within policy and practice responses.
Gaps
- limited evidence on how different policy approaches affect long-term outcomes for young carers
- lack of evaluation of youth-centred support models
- limited insight into how inequalities vary across different groups of young carers.
Commentary
This paper highlights clear inequities in how young carers are recognised and supported within social care and education systems. Despite their significant caring responsibilities, young carers often receive less support than adult carers, contributing to unequal experiences and outcomes.
Educational impacts are central to these inequities. Caring responsibilities can disrupt attendance, attainment and social development, placing young carers at a disadvantage compared with their peers and shaping longer-term opportunities.
The evidence also points to the role of stigma in reinforcing inequality. Fear of judgement or negative consequences can prevent young carers from seeking help, leaving needs hidden and unaddressed.
From a care equity perspective, the findings underline the importance of policies that explicitly recognise young carers and respond to their distinct needs. Without inclusive, youth-centred approaches, inequalities in education, wellbeing and life chances are likely to persist for this group.