Educational Professionals’ Awareness, Identification, and Support of Young Carers: Implications for Policy
Nicole Mansell. MA, Yana Berardini, Ph.D. Candidate & Heather Chalmers, Ph.D.
Abstract
Although millions of young people help to take care of family members worldwide, there is limited awareness, identification, and support of young carers (YCs) in Canada. Given YCs spend most of their days at school, it is an ideal context to identify and support YCs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand whether educators were aware of YCs and their perceived role in identifying and supporting YCs within schools. Through an applied research design, eight teachers and three principals from Southern Ontario were interviewed. Results revealed multiple barriers in an educators’ awareness, and in their ability to identify and support YCs in their schools. Barriers included YC secrecy and inadequate school policies. Recommendations addressing educator mandates, proposing policy changes, and incorporating YCs’ cooperation were made.