Publication type
Conference Paper
Series
Australian Social Policy Conference
Authors
Publication date
July 21, 2005
Abstract:
Research has identified young carers as a vulnerable and disadvantaged group. Caring responsibilities may reduce the educational and employment opportunities and life choices available to young people. Young carers may face additional barriers to accessing appropriate support from formal services. These barriers include: the lack of awareness on the part of service providers about the existence and needs of young carers; limited financial resources of young carers; limited access to information and transport; and reluctance to use, or mistrust of, services. Additional barriers may exist also for young carers who live in rural or remote regions or who are from CALD or ATSI backgrounds. This paper investigates the characteristics of young co-resident carers who live with care recipients and who are not accessing formal support using the ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. The analysis will focus on their support needs and the extent of service non-use using the conceptual framework suggested by Andersen and Newman (1973). The policy implications and the development of strategies to better support these young carers will be discussed.
#517572