Young Carers Support & Services in Hertfordshire Becky Gwynne CSF Project Officer Young Carers

Introduction Hertfordshire recognise young carers as children and young people under the age of 18 years, who provide care to another family member, who has physical illness / disability; mental ill health; sensory disability or has a problematic use of drugs or alcohol. The level of care & emotional support they provide would be usually taken on by an adult and as a result of this has significant impact on their normal childhood. CSF’s aim is to reduce the impact of caring on children and young people, allowing them the opportunities to lead everyday lives whilst recognising the effects of caring.

The National Carers Strategy, Carers at the Heart of the 21 st Century, Families & Communities Children and young people will be protected from inappropriate caring and have the support they need to learn, develop and thrive, to enjoy positive childhoods and achieve against all the Every Child Matters outcomes. The strategy stresses preventative, whole family approaches alongside universal services and targeted support & the need to develop better awareness amongst children’s and adult’s professionals.

Young Carers Review FTE Young Carer Professional Assistants moved to CSF Targeted Advice Service Assessment and support of young carers providing early intervention and preventative support

Three Tier Approach to Support Young Carers Level 3 Specialist 200 Level 2 Targeted 1,000 young carers Level 1 Universal 5,000 – 8,000 young carers

Young Carers Strategy Young Carers Reference Group Young Carers Schools Development Young Carer PA Team Meeting Carers in Herts Contract Monitoring Meeting Youth Connexions Young Carers Support Meeting

CSF Strategy Outcomes Young Carers should be able to: Achieve their full potential in education Be supported to reduce their caring role Have an life outside of caring Stay fit and healthy and be safe Get good quality information when they need it Feel respected as young carers

Structure of services CSF Young Carers Strategy Management of Carers Grant Overview of new projects and development Carers in Hertfordshire Young Carers Project Trips and activities for young carers ages 9 – 18 yrs School Awareness Young Carers Council CSF Young carers professional Assistants Based within Targeted Advise Service Supporting professionals undertaking CAF One to one support for young carers Think Family Approach – using joint resources and funding to develop and sustain services

Young Carers Development Worker Recruited in August 2010 Raise awareness of young carers issues to increase identification. Building links with Adult Care Services Monitoring and support of young carers school support groups Launch of leaflet

Project Officer Young Carers Strategic lead for young carers services Development of support to ensure effective identification and intervention Responsible for Young Carers Strategy and Annual Action Plan Management of Carers in Herts Young Carers contract Reviewing policies Developing relevant information

Carers in Hertfordshire Young Carers Project funded by CSF and others 2 strands Trips Activities Support Information Work with professionals School Liaison Work Raising awareness Identification Support Young carers policy in schools

Support Groups for young carers currently provided in Primary Schools Secondary Schools Youth Connexions

Identifying young carers in school Assemblies and launch events Leaflets and notice boards PSHE lessons Tutor time activity/ questionnaire Child disclosure Transition information (policy) Support staff/ teachers/ etc Common Assessment Framework Outside agencies & social care & health team referrals Friends

Young Carers Views Recognition Support Reduction in inappropriate caring role Break from caring role Opportunity to meet others

Any questions?

thank you