–Tips from the Caregiving Youth Project

• Raise awareness of issues facing caregiving youth to school staff – these may include tardiness, absenteeism, missing assignments, underachieving, bullying;

• Encourage teachers, administrators and nurses to refer students to social work staff when family health situations are identified;

• Be a resource for parents & grandparents struggling with the effects of family health situations;

• Have knowledge of community-based healthcare resources;

• Foster relationships with community support services for student caregivers - tutoring, counseling, financial assistance, and food resources are common needs;

• Encourage students to request help by calling AACY at 800-725-2512;

• When possible, connect caregiving youth peers with each other, through support group or club meetings – note that staying after school is often difficult for caregiving youth;

• Provide feedback to AACY about experiences and what you are finding helpful in support of your caregiver students at your school;

• Support National Family Caregivers Month activities in November;

• Advocate for caregiving youth in educational and professional groups;

• Take a proactive role – contact us about developing a Caregiving Youth Project within your school to further the objectives of recognizing and supporting this hidden population so they can remain in school and become healthy productive adults;

• Refer students to internet resources

1. www.aacy.org (American Association of Caregiving Youth)

2. www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/children.htm (for children with a family member with Alzheimer’s Disease)

3. www.needymeds.com (NeedyMeds is a good source of information on patient assistance programs.)

4. www.youngcarers.net (in the U.K)

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