The Children and Families Act (2014)

The Children and Families Act 2014 gives young carers and young adult carers in England a right to a carer's assessment and to have their needs met (if the assessment shows this is needed).

The Care Act and the Children and Families Act should work together to make sure the needs of the whole family are met and inappropriate or excessive caring by young carers is prevented or reduced. 

The rights of parent carers have also been addressed within the Children and Families Act. A local council has a duty to provide an assessment to a carer of a disabled child aged under 18 if it appears that the parent carer has needs, or the parent carer requests an assessment.

Further information

  • For more information about how these laws work for young carers and young adult carers, see our free guide: Know your Rights.

See also: 

Date revised: 20/02/2018