Caregiving Youth Organizations
While the topic of Caregiving Youth is "fairly invisible" in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are "way ahead of us" in recognizing all the that children under 18 who are doing family caregiving. These countries have been gathering data on young caregivers and establishing support programs for years. The U.K. has over 350 support organizations for this population, and the United States has one, The American Association of Caregiving Youth.
The United States
American Association of Caregiving Youth
Vision of AACY - that every youth caring for chronically ill, injured, elderly or disabled family members will achieve success in school and life | Mission of AACY – to increase awareness and provide support services for youth caregivers and their families by connecting them with healthcare, education and community resources.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has supported and sustained the important work of families and friends nationwide who care for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions.
Melinda Kavanaugh | HELEN BADER School of Social Welfare
Dr. Melinda S. Kavanaugh earned her Ph.D. in social welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her primary research area addresses caregiving youth/young carers, an isolated and little known caregiving population of children and teens acting as caregivers for family members with chronic illness.
Kesem
Kesem provides free summer camps, day programs, and virtual meet-ups for youth and adolescents navigating a parent’s cancer diagnosis. These programs create a safe, supportive space where children can connect with peers, process their experiences, and enjoy childhood despite the challenges they face. Through community and emotional support, Kesem ensures that no child has to face a parent’s cancer alone.
Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative
The Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative (CYRC) is a US-focused research network that aims to advance understanding of the lives of youth caregivers and their families.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation - Hidden Helpers
Generations of children and youth have witnessed first-hand the physical and emotional effects of war. In their childhood and adolescence, they have experienced more stress, anxiety, responsibility, and complex feelings than most of us will in our lifetimes. They have been forced to grow up fast. And while these hidden helpers are proud to be a part of their family and of their loved one’s service, the load they carry is heavier than they should have to bear.
Join our efforts to uplift the voices of military caregiver kids, better understand the unique challenges they face, and enhance the support services available to them.
Join our efforts to uplift the voices of military caregiver kids, better understand the unique challenges they face, and enhance the support services available to them.
Lorenzo's House
Unites tween, teens and young adults across the country who are living with a parent/guardian diagnosed with younger-onset dementia.
The Sibling Support Project
Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns.
6 Things Nobody Told us About Caregiving
One of my personal favorite articles on caregiving - I found it very useful overall
Camp Corral
The mission of Camp Corral is to transform the lives of children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs.
Book: I Am a Teen Caregiver. Now What? (Teen Life 411)
by Avery Elizabeth Hurt