The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is the national leader supporting students who care for family members at home. More than 6 million Caregiving Youth in the United States take on responsibilities that go far beyond what is typically expected of a child or teenager. These are students aged 18 or younger who provide meaningful support to a family member living with a chronic illness, disability, mental health condition, substance use challenge, injury, or age-related frailty. Their care can involve managing medications, helping with mobility, assisting with daily activities, offering emotional support, supervising siblings or adults, and keeping the household functioning.

In the United States they are known as Caregiving Youth; in the United Kingdom and other countries they are widely recognized as Young Carers. Despite their growing numbers, most Caregiving Youth remain unseen within schools, healthcare systems, and policy conversations, even as their responsibilities shape their academic performance, social development, and long-term opportunities.

Founded in 1998 in Boca Raton, Florida, AACY has spent more than 16 years advancing awareness, research, and direct support. The organization provides comprehensive services to middle and high school students in Palm Beach County and serves as a trusted national authority for educators, healthcare teams, researchers, employers, and policymakers. AACY brings together decades of experience across education, health, social work, research, and policy to help organizations understand who Caregiving Youth are, what they take on at home, and what effective support can look like.