Young Carers Rights in Northern Ireland
CymraegEnglish
“An adult with a disability, illness or mental health condition is entitled to support from social services, depending on their needs. They should not have to rely on young people to care for them."
"It’s important that social services ensures the whole family feels supported and that you, as a young carer, are comfortable with your role in the family.” Nidirect, the Northern Ireland Government website
The right to an assessment
In Northern Ireland, carers of all ages, including young carers, have the legal right to an assessment of their own needs. Statutory means that something is required by law.
The right for young carers and young adult carers to be given a carer’s assessment is set out in two different laws; the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
The assessment is carried out to determine whether a child or young person is a “child in need” and requires support. There is no lower age limit for a young carer needs assessment.
The government commissions Regional Young Carers Services to carry out assessments for young carers aged between 8 and 18. While Health and Social Care Trusts are responsible for young carers’ assessments for anyone aged under eight.
Health and Social Care Trusts have a duty to inform young carers and their families about their right to ask for an assessment. They also have to do this for adult carers. This means they must ensure young carers are told of their right to an adult carer assessment once they turn 18.
Young people who support their brother or sister (known as sibling young carers) are assessed by the Regional Young Carers Service.
Children’s charities Action for Children and Barnardo’s NI carry out the assessments, using a process called UNOCINI – Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland.
The Children Order also requires Health and Social Care Trusts to publish information about the services they provide and, where appropriate, those provided by other organisations.
This means, for example, that they should tell young carers and their families about support available to them from charities.
What is a young carer assessment
Organising and preparing for your young carer assessment
What to expect during and after your assessment