This article is featured in The Courier Mail and is repoublished with permission.
One in ten Queensland children are struggling to stay at school while looking after their own parents and siblings with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
It comes as experts and psychologists call for better support for carers in the classroom, including upskilling teachers on how to identify them earlier.
New data from the federal government reveals only 280 young carer bursaries – worth $4000 – have been granted across the state this year.
But a survey by Little Dreamers – Australia’s leading young carer organisation – found 39 per cent of young carers in Australia miss school every week and 35 per cent use their own money for caring costs.
Kenny Davis, 17, who looks his mum and brother all while attending school, said more support was needed for people like him.
“I started looking after my brother at 14 full-time … (the school) I went to threatened to kick me out because I wasn’t there for about six months,” he said.
Kenny attends The Annex at Harristown State High School and cares for both his mother, who has severe arthritis and mental health issues, and his older brother RJ Davis, 19, who is recovering from viral meningitis while studying.
Kenny started caring for his mum when he was just eight. His brother then fell ill when Kenny was 13, and he was needed to help shower him, take him to the toilet and feed him.
Kenny said it took his former school almost eight months to refer him to a guidance counsellor, who told him about support systems available to him as a young carer.
“I wish I had known sooner … and that there are other kids like me,” Kenny said.
A young carer is any child up to the age of 25 who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend with a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition or substance dependency.
The young carer bursary is a federal initiative which covers up to $4000 worth of school costs for things like uniforms, textbooks and stationery.
Australian Psychological Society President Dr Kelly Gough said it was important young carers were recognised early and received adequate support at home and at school.
“Caregiving responsibilities can pose significant psychological challenges for children and young people, particularly when they are providing regular care for a parent, grandparent or another family member while also trying to manage school friendships and their own development,” Dr Gough said.
“Young carers may experience a significant emotional burden from worrying about a loved one’s health and managing adult-like responsibilities at a young age. This can affect their concentration, attendance and engagement at school.”
Little Dreamers Australia chief executive Madeleine Buchner said teachers needed to be better trained to recognise “care-related absenteeism” early so timely support could be provided.
“Despite support often being available in schools, the issue is that teachers often lack the training to recognise who young carers are or understand their needs, leading to these students slipping through the cracks,” she said.
“Balancing school, work, and personal development while providing essential care is almost impossible – yet this is the daily reality for young carers.”
Carers Australia chief executive Joanna Cave said teachers needed to be more aware of the challenges faced by young carers.
“ … and to have access to evidence-based practices to assist young carers who are falling behind their peers,” she said.
Queensland Association of Secondary Principals representative Kirsten Ferdinand said schools regularly worked closely with students as young carers to support their “many and varied needs”.
“Schools work directly with the individual student to individualise learning plans and implement flexible arrangements when necessary too,” she said.
“Schools will always prioritise a successful plan that supports the student to achieve success.”
A Department of Education spokeswoman said it was committed to supporting all students to attend and engage in school, recognising education was “key to their future success”.
“Schools and regional teams work with students, families, and relevant agencies to address barriers impacting attendance and engagement,” the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said depending on the circumstances, support could include access to guidance officers, psychologists and chaplains, flexible education options and referrals to government services.