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The first cross-national study of adolescent young carers aged 15–17 in six European countries

Published Date: 5.4.2022

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Theme: Specific groups of carers

Sub-theme: Young carers

Young carers Carer wellbeing International publication Health Quantitative data

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Specific groups of carers

Sub-theme: Young carers

View Publication Young carers Carer wellbeing International publication Health Quantitative data

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

The first cross-national study of adolescent young carers aged 15–17 in six European countries

Published Date: 5.4.2022

  • Author/ Authors

    Feylyn Mercedies Lewis, Saul Becker, Thomas Parkhouse, Valentina Hlebec, Maja Mrzel, Rosita Brolin, Giulia Casu, Licia Boccaletti, Sara Santini, Barbara D’Amen, Marco Socci, Renske Hoefman, Nynke De Jong, Agnes Leu, Daniel Phelps, Elena Guggiari, Lennart Magnusson, Elizabeth Hanson

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    The first cross-national study of adolescent young carers aged 15–17 in six European countries]. (2023). In International Journal of Care and Caring (Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 6–32) [Research article]. https://doi.org/10.1332/239788222X16455943560342

Long Summary

This paper presents the first cross-national study of adolescent young carers (AYCs) aged 15–17 across six European countries, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK, highlighting their caregiving roles, health and wellbeing, and support needs. The UK and Slovenia reported the highest levels of negative impacts, partly due to recruitment strategies targeting high-need carers. Despite some formal support, especially in the UK and Sweden, many AYCs remain hidden and unsupported. The study underscores the urgent need for systemic, rights-based policy interventions across Europe to better identify, support, and protect AYCs.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • Many children and young people provide regular or intensive care for family members, often taking on adult-level responsibilities without formal recognition or support.
  • Adolescent young carers, aged 15 to 17, face distinct challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood while balancing education, social life and caring responsibilities.
  • Many adolescents young carers remain ‘invisible’ to schools, health professionals and services, which can make it harder for them to access the help they need.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Adolescent young carers remain under-recognized in policy and service systems in most countries, despite clear evidence of their unique vulnerabilities and contributions.
  • Policy responses must consider the diverse backgrounds and experiences of AYCs, including migrant and culturally diverse young carers who may face compounded barriers.
  • Governments and agencies should integrate adolescent young carers into youth, education, health and carer policy agendas, ensuring their voices and lived experiences inform policy design and implementation.

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