Young carers assessments

A young carer's assessment is a chance for you to talk about your needs as a young carer and how you can receive support. We can help you to arrange an individual or a joint assessment with the person you care for.

A Young Carers’ Assessment is about working with you and your family to understand how best to help.

The assessment covers:

• How you feel about being a carer
• What you do and how often you do those things
• Any difficulties you might have with your own health, emotions, friendships, or at school
• What you would like to change and what help and support you would like

Asking for a young carers assessment

To get an assessment, you will need to meet the definition of a young carer and also have your parent's or carer's consent. You should also get an assessment if you or your parent think you might be too young for the type of care you’re providing, or your caring responsibilities affect your:

• Physical health
• Education
• Emotional wellbeing
• Relationships with family and friends

It's easy to get an assessment. If the person you care for is receiving support from us, the social care practitioner should ask you about having your own assessment. If they don't, you should ask them for one.

Your doctor or school may already know that you are a carer and should refer you to us for an assessment - if you and your family would like this. If they don't, you can ask them for one.

To request a Young Carers’ Assessment, please contact the front door for Early Help and safeguarding by calling 0118 908 8002. For more information about the service, visit the Early Help Service web page.

What happens next?

Once we’ve made contact and a Young Carers’ Assessment has been completed with you, a support plan will be developed, which will show the type and frequency of support you need.

When everything is agreed we will give you a record of your assessment, and give a copy to your parents and anybody else you or your parents’ request should be involved.

We will always talk to you to find out what support is right for you and then use a system of goal setting and review to ensure that you receive sufficient support.

It would be better if your school knows you are a young carer so that they can provide you with appropriate support. If you are a Young Carer, it would be really helpful to speak to your school – because they have a role in helping you.