Caregiving Policy and Program? Lack of Attention Paid to Young Caregivers?
Mentor 1
Melinda Kavanaugh
Location
Union 344
Start Date
5-4-2019 12:00 PM
Description
With a population of approximately 1.4 million youth caregivers under the age of 18, youth caregivers often provide an array of care task to either a parent or a family member. Caregiving can have a substantial negative impact on the caregivers overall well-being, therefore caregiver policies and programs are an essential support to alleviate the burden of caregiving. Caregiving programs and polices offer caregivers numerous services including respite care, informational resources, family support and research. This project reviewed caregiver programs across the U.S., assessing for inclusion of children and youth caregivers. Programs were divided by state and included both government and not for profit. Programs were assessed for caregivers served as defined by age- those over 18 and those under 18. Implications for the inclusion of youth caregivers in directed federal and state caregiving policies and programs are emphasized. If programs are not inclusive of children and youth under the age of 18, then youth will continue to experience negative outcomes affecting their long-term health and academics.
Caregiving Policy and Program? Lack of Attention Paid to Young Caregivers?
Union 344
With a population of approximately 1.4 million youth caregivers under the age of 18, youth caregivers often provide an array of care task to either a parent or a family member. Caregiving can have a substantial negative impact on the caregivers overall well-being, therefore caregiver policies and programs are an essential support to alleviate the burden of caregiving. Caregiving programs and polices offer caregivers numerous services including respite care, informational resources, family support and research. This project reviewed caregiver programs across the U.S., assessing for inclusion of children and youth caregivers. Programs were divided by state and included both government and not for profit. Programs were assessed for caregivers served as defined by age- those over 18 and those under 18. Implications for the inclusion of youth caregivers in directed federal and state caregiving policies and programs are emphasized. If programs are not inclusive of children and youth under the age of 18, then youth will continue to experience negative outcomes affecting their long-term health and academics.
