Press Alert, September 23, 2024
Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative (CYRC) Announces Mapping Research Presentation at the 3rd Conference on Caregiving Research, University of Pittsburgh
The Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative (CYRC), a US-focused initiative dedicated to advancing understanding and support for Caregiving Youth, announces a significant presentation at the 3rd Conference on Caregiving Research at the University of Pittsburgh, “Building Bridges: Connecting Caregiving Research, Policy, and Practice.” This event, set for September 25-27, 2024, will introduce innovative research from CYRC members Dr. Betsy Olson, PhD candidate Leiha Edmonds of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Dr. Connie Siskowski, Founder and President of the American Association of Caregiving Youth.
CYRC Research Project: “Caregiving Kids: Understanding the Identities and Everyday Spaces of Youth who are Family Caregivers in the US”
Poster Presentation: “Why Caregiving Policy Should Care About Schools: The Well-being of Caregiving Youth”
Funding: National Science Foundation
Participants: 48 Caregiving Youth from the AACY Caregiving Youth Project (CYP) direct services program in Palm Beach County Schools, along with their families
Leiha Edmonds will present a poster on this groundbreaking mapping research, the first of its kind globally. The project aims to explore and understand the spatial and emotional lives of Caregiving Youth, ultimately informing improved support systems and policies by amplifying their voices and actions.
“Research like this is vital for recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of young caregivers. We are honored to share our findings at the 3rd Conference on Family Caregiving Research, which allows us to highlight the resilience and challenges faced by Caregiving Youth. We hope this presentation will inspire meaningful change.” – Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, Founder and President, American Association of Caregiving Youth.
“CYRC extends its gratitude to all participants, supporters, and especially the young caregivers from the AACY Caregiving Youth Project for their invaluable contributions to this research. We look forward to connecting with those attending in Pittsburgh for what promises to be an enlightening and impactful conference.” – Elizabeth Olson, PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
About the AACY Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative (CYRC):
The CYRC is a U.S.-focused initiative created to generate interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and practitioners who are dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of Caregiving Youth (also known as young carers) and their families. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between the AACY Caregiving Youth Institute and researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, today, CYRC brings together academics and other researchers and professionals from universities and organizations across the United States and Canada. Members work to identify research and policy priorities, create vehicles to inform and enhance knowledge among youth professionals, and cultivate partnerships to improve the outlook for Caregiving Youth and their families.
For more information, visit CYRC here.
About the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY):
American Association of Caregiving Youth® (AACY), a 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, champions the needs of over 5.4 million young American caregivers aged 18 or younger who provide essential care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. As the leading national voice for Caregiving Youth, AACY raises awareness about this hidden population and is a trusted resource for families, policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals on the issues Caregiving Youth face, regardless of the care recipient’s diagnosis.
AACY offers a comprehensive approach combining direct support and national advocacy. Locally, they provide direct assistance to middle and high school students through the Caregiving Youth Project. Nationally, its Caregiving Youth Institute (CYI) spearheads C.A.R.E. initiatives focused on Connection, Advocacy, Research, and Education. AACY’s impact extends further through national partnerships and affiliates.
For more information, visit aacy.org
Conference Link: https://www.caregiving.pitt.edu/3rd-conference-caregiving-research
