Going through the DYC My Young Carer Life Toolkit will facilitate an early understanding of whether the child or young person is caring, the extent of their involvement, and the effects this has on them. It will also assist services and the family in determining which support services are most appropriate. This tool complements any comprehensive assessment or referral procedure, ensuring that young carers obtain the necessary support promptly.

When completing the DYC My Young Carer Life Toolkit, it is important that the young person's voice is heard, their views are captured and how this affects them, in cases, where this will not be possible, gather the views of family members and/or the cared for person.

Guidance states that young carers should not be left with inappropriate levels of caring and describes this as “anything which is likely to have an impact on the child’s health, wellbeing or education, or which can be considered unsuitable in light of the child’s circumstances and may include, personal care such as bathing and toileting, carrying out strenuous physical tasks such as lifting, administering medication, maintaining the family budget and emotional support to the adult."

Should the assessment determine that the needs of the young carer and their family can be addressed through universal and/or targeted services, the assessment may be kept and reviewed on how to support the young carer. This information can be shared with those currently supporting the young carer, with consent, to ensure continuity of care. The Devon Young Carers service is available for information and advice throughout the process, regardless of whether the brief assessment tool indicates that a referral to our service is necessary.

It is important to listen of the views of the Young Carer, how they feel and what affects them, they are experts in their roles and their own lives.

Downloads

DYC My Young Carer Life Toolkit 

If the completed DYC My Young Carer Life Toolkit reflects that the Young Carer is providing high levels of care, or care that is not age-appropriate, please securely email it to [email protected] and complete our registration form (click here to open). We triage each Toolkit and will provide feedback, either with advice and signposting or next steps for support.