Young carers – or children in need of care? Decision making for children of parents with mental health problems [2010] CFLQ 223

The label 'young carers' is often applied to those children who support and care for parents with mental health problems. This paper reviews the range of research on the impact of parental mental health problems on these children and considers the risks that need to be taken into account when they become young carers, but may not receive adequate care themselves. This research material is important when considering child protection strategies, both in relation to the significant harm threshold and when planning for care.