Teachers, please help!!!!?

Question

Hi there,

I am writing a report about how schools help to identify young carers and how these issues can be taught to children. Although not part of the national curriculum, a lot of organisations have suggested that this topic could be part of PSHE lessons? Does anyone have any thoughts on this or on what materials would be most useful?

I also have produced a very quick survey and would be incredibly grateful if anyone could spare five minutes to fill it in. Please follow the link below. Thanks so much.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=3WvZqWtcCfWqC5PfFzgQ5A_3d_3d

Vicky

Answer 1

Vicky take advice from the UK. first and foremost on this one.

School community cohesion is a rising initiative for all schools in the UK. Soon to be an OFSTED focus on inspection. Development for young carers could easily fit here.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Thanks Vicky for posting this question.  At first I thought it was about careers, and thought you mistyped it.

I went to your weblink, and that explained it.

Even though I've taught school for over 3 decades, I haven't heard of the term, so learned something.

I think it is useful.  But, in the USA we are afraid of lawsuits, and participation in such a program could open up a can of worms.  

For example, is a young carer failed, or harmed someone, then teachers, or admin, or others connected would be held liable for not teaching the child what to do, or how to do it.

Yes, the reality is we do have young carers, and they need some training, but in the USA it's left up to either family or to Child Welfare Services.

If teachers know of anyone who is a child, and is having to care for another relative, or member of their family with a disability, then Child Welfare Agency will step in.

We have "hot lines" here to report child abuse, or elder abuse, or other family problems where the government should look into some form of abuse, or problem in the family.

I think in the USA, because of higher numbers of churches and adults who attend church, than England, we think such support for those who need aid, will come from our churches, when in fact, I bet it doesn't.

Hope the young carer program catches on, and it can be adapted to schools in the USA too.