Dear Colleagues
The Scottish Central Research Unit have just published their latest 'Health and Community Research Findings' Brief info below - the research findings are freely available at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/resfinds/hcc23-00.asp
David McDaid
LSE Health and Social Care
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE CENTRAL RESEARCH UNIT
Health and Community Care Research Findings No. 23
Young Carers: Assessment and Services Literature review of identification, needs assessment and service provision for young carers and their families
Pauline Banks, Eamonn Gallagher, Malcolm Hill and Sheila Riddell
University of Glasgow
2002
A literature review was undertaken to examine how voluntary and statutory agencies identify assess and provide services for young carers and their families. Analysis of published work was supplemented by a survey of relevant organisations assessment of agency documents and a small number of interviews with experts.
Main Findings
* A fundamental divide exists in views about young carers projects. They may be seen as a positive response to children's needs and rights or as a diversion from adequate support to parents that would enable the extent of young caring to be reduced.
* The published literature provides considerable information about the nature of young carers projects, but there are important gaps concerning statutory provision, assessment processes and evidence about the impact of different approaches to services.
* Awareness among professionals about young caring has grown considerably, but there is still evidence of ignorance and a lack of interest among certain key professionals.
* Some young carers and their families are reluctant to engage with services for reasons of privacy, stigma and fears about community and professional responses.
* Only a small proportion of young carers have had their needs assessed. Children's understanding of assessment entitlements and procedures is very limited.
* Holistic frameworks have been promoted for assessing young carers' needs, their family and environment, but in practice assessments are often superficial and narrowly focused.
* Typically, young carers projects offer group activities and individual counselling or befriending for children and advocacy on behalf of the child for improved family services. Those who attend projects enjoy them.
* An integrated inter-agency approach is required.
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