Youth work cares for young carers

Abstract

In October 1997, a seminar was held in Malta with the aim of raising awareness amongst education and welfare professionals about young carers. Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who provide care to another family member, usually a parent, who has a physical illness or disability, mental ill-health, is misusing drugs or alcohol. Consequently, young carers experience restrictions on their childhood development or in their transition to adulthood. Therefore, this study has three primary aims. First, to continue to raise awareness of the issue. Secondly, to investigate any further developments arising from the seminar. Thirdly, to propose that youth work can be of service to young carers. The Maltese endeavour to be a 'child-friendly' society, yet given their cultural values and legal structures they seem to face a dilemma when confronted with the issue of young carers. Their plight apparently diffuses notwithstanding the importance that Maltese society place on children. On the other hand, it is socially expected that care within the family be entrusted to its members. Thus, children are liable to be socialised into caring roles and tasks. Similarly, Maltese law protects children's developmental phase, yet it also inclines to endorse them as carers. The study discusses the roles of teachers/guidance teachers and social workers who have made contact with young carers. The discussion aims to show that whilst all the above professionals can make positive contributions, yet it is the youth and community worker who would be in a better position to establish links with young carers, befriend them and eventually meet their needs and advocate for their rights in a multidisciplinary environment. It is my firm belief that we cannot ignore the plight of young carers anymore. Young caring is not only a civil rights issue but also a human rights issue.