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An analysis of how unequal conditions of care affect young carers and the implications for social policy.
Key messages
Policy implications
Gaps
Commentary
This paper highlights clear inequities in how young carers are recognised and supported within social care and education systems. Despite their significant caring responsibilities, young carers often receive less support than adult carers, contributing to unequal experiences and outcomes.
Educational impacts are central to these inequities. Caring responsibilities can disrupt attendance, attainment and social development, placing young carers at a disadvantage compared with their peers and shaping longer-term opportunities.
The evidence also points to the role of stigma in reinforcing inequality. Fear of judgement or negative consequences can prevent young carers from seeking help, leaving needs hidden and unaddressed.
From a care equity perspective, the findings underline the importance of policies that explicitly recognise young carers and respond to their distinct needs. Without inclusive, youth-centred approaches, inequalities in education, wellbeing and life chances are likely to persist for this group.
Analysis examining how social policies in England and Wales fail to address the needs of Autistic adults, focusing on barriers in health services and social care systems.
A study examining safety inequities experienced by people with learning disabilities in English health and social care, drawing on lived experiences from focus groups and patient feedback narratives.
A systematic review examining interventions designed to reduce inequities in dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic care across multiple countries, focusing on individual, community and health system solutions.
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Analysis examining how social policies in England and Wales fail to address the needs of Autistic adults, focusing on barriers in health services and social care systems.
A study examining safety inequities experienced by people with learning disabilities in English health and social care, drawing on lived experiences from focus groups and patient feedback narratives.
A systematic review examining interventions designed to reduce inequities in dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic care across multiple countries, focusing on individual, community and health system solutions.
A qualitative study examining how newly qualified social workers in England experience and respond to racism in practice, and how social work education prepares them to challenge racism in health and social care contexts.
A national study exploring practical solutions to reduce inequalities in dementia diagnosis and care across England, drawing on workshops with people with dementia, carers, professionals and third sector organisations.
A policy-focused review examining barriers to dementia care access for Black and minoritised communities in the UK, highlighting gaps between national policy ambitions and local service delivery.
