While services to young carers have expanded over recent years services are still failing to reach the majority, according to the latest research by the Scottish executive.
The report, 'Young Carers: Assessment and Services', applauds the increased awareness of young carers needs among social care staff, but concludes that there is still "ignorance and a lack of interest among other key professional groups".
Social care is criticised on a number of fronts. In particular, few young carers have had their needs assessed, and "practice assessments are often superficial and narrowly focused" in spite of services to young carers being based on holistic models.
The faults in services have contributed to an ongoing reluctance on behalf of young carers, and their families to seek assistance on grounds of "privacy, stigma and fears about community and professional responses".
The authors of the report call on the executive to address their findings urgently, and to develop an integrated, multi-agency national strategy to serve young carers.
Youth Justice and the Youth Justice Board
26 August 2008
Substance misuse
15 August 2008
Details of government consultations
21 August 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
