Policies to Support Young Carers in the UK

Abstract

This article critically examines the UK's policy on young carers and identifies its shortcomings. Even though UK law and academic discussion about young carers are seen as the most advanced in terms of quantity and quality, the number of young carers in the UK has been understated or incorrectly estimated. In response to the growing public awareness, a legal category for young caregivers was created, and allowances and other forms of financial support were instituted to help them. However, due to age, hours spent caring, and time spent in school eligibility regulations, young carers, in addition to suffering from poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage, are more likely than their peers of the same age to have problems with personal well-being and mental and physical development. The trouble that the British Young Carer Policy is having presents a point of consideration for Korean policymakers.