There are over 100,000 young carers living in NSW.

The person receiving care is often a parent, but can be a sibling, grandparent or other relative who has a disability, chronic illness, mental illness or other condition.

Young carers generally face difficulties managing their school study responsibilities while carrying out significant or substantial caring tasks on a regular basis. They often assume a level of responsibility which would usually be associated with an adult.

The role of a young carer can be challenging for students but provides many positive experiences as well. These include close and warm relationships with those for whom they care, pride in their practical management skills and confidence and resilience in managing challenges.

Being a Carer, Being a Student and Being a Kid: A Resource for Schools provides information for principals, teachers and student wellbeing support staff about supporting students who are young carers. This resource was updated in May 2020.

Related information

• Learning resources from the Department of Family and Community Services to assist non-government organisations in identifying & supporting young carers
• The Young Carers Program is a Carers NSW program for carers aged 25 years and under.
  • You can email the program at yc@carersnsw.org.au or they can be contacted from Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm on 1800 242 636.
  • The program can deliver workshops to students, teachers and counsellors on how to identify and support young carers in schools. Call 02 9280 4744 for more information.
• Carers Australia also provides general information for teachers and education providers
• Carer Gateway provides practical information and resources to help carers locate their nearest existing support services, and can be contacted from Monday-Friday 8am-5pm on 1800 422 737.