Young Carers Program
Who are young carers?
Young carers are young people 25 years and young who help provide care in families where someone has a chronic illness, a disability, a mental illness, is frail aged or has an alcohol or other drug problem.
What is the role of a young carer?
The role of a young carer may be quite varied. Young carers may provide both practical and emotional support to the people they care for. A young carer may be involved in:
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Assisting with the personal care of a parent or sibling including dressing, bathing, toileting, mobility or administering and reminding about medication
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Assisting with domestic duties such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, looking after younger siblings, dealing with financial issues or negotiating with service providers or
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Provide emotional support by listening to problems that the cared-for person may be experiencing, accompanying an adult to medical appointments, providing social support to person they care for, or acting as an interpreter
Who is eligible to access the Young Carers Program?
The program is funded by Funded by FaCSIA (Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) and is affiliated with DoHA (Department of Health and Ageing). The target group includes:
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Young carers who are primary and high school students 18 years and younger.
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Young carers who are undertaking courses at a vocational institution for the purpose of completing their high school equivalent education.
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Primary school students and/or secondary students, who have a significant caring role in assisting the primary carer within the family, and have been assessed at risk of not completing their education because of their caring responsibilities.
Information, referral and advice services are available for all young carers 25 years and younger.
What type of help is available for young carers?
The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre Southern Highlands can provide practical forms of support in a flexible and supportive way. The type of support available includes:
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Information, advice and referral service for all eligible young carers
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Assistance with planned and emergency respite
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Flexible respite support to assist with personal care, domestic assistance or general in-home respite
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Support with schooling needs or other school expenses
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Tutoring
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Assistance with recreational expenses like sport events or other activities
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Other customised services required to meet young carers’ individual needs
For all enquires and after hours/emergency service call Tollfree™ 1800 052 222, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.