"How does caring affect families?

Young carers also often report that caring has had an impact on their family dynamics, functioning and finances:

Family connectedness: Caring can place significant stress and strain on families, particularly when family members experience compassion fatigue and unresolved frustration, anger and anxiety. However, many young carers report that they feel more connected with other family members when they take on care responsibilities together (Halpenny and Gilligan 2004).

Financial security: With significant costs associated with health care treatment, medication and social support, and a low capacity to access employment or social security payments, many families experience financial difficulties (Carers Australia 1997). As a result, many young carers either do without bare essentials, or in some cases, have turned to begging and/or crime to fulfil their families’ needs (Moore 2005).

Safety: Young carers often report situations when they feel unsafe. Often alone with their relative, many feel overwhelmed by the responsibility – particularly when their relative is prone to seizures, or when they display challenging behaviours (Odyssey Institute of Studies 2004; Moore 2005).

Homelessness and criminality: Recent research suggests that children and young people in families affected by illness, disability, alcohol or other drug use and/or mental illness are at greater risk of homelessness than their peers (Mallett, Rosenthal et al. 2005; Youth Coalition of the ACT 2005). As mentioned, as a result of poverty, young carers can also be at greater risk of criminality.
" 
(p.10 - 11)

"How does caring affect young carer’s futures?

Many young carers feel that their caring responsibilities would continue to impact on their lives for some time – regardless of whether they continued to care or not.

Transitions into adulthood: Through their caring, young carers develop skills and gain independence that can assist them in the future (Carers Australia 2002). However due to the restrictions on their education and their capacity to connect with the community around them, transitions to adulthood can be difficult (Frank, Tatum et al. 1999; Halpenny and Gilligan 2004).

Outlook: Many young carers report feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future. They believe that having dealt with adversity that they are more equipped and capable of dealing with future difficulties and challenges (Halpenny and Gilligan 2004; Moore 2005).

Caring into the future: Many young carers are resigned to the fact that they will be caring for some time to come (Halpenny and Gilligan 2004). They believe that this will impact upon the work that they will be able to do, the relationships they will be able to have, and the way they will be able to participate in the wider community. Many young carers are also aware that they will one day relinquish their care responsibilities – either as a result of their cared-for relative’s death, or their transition into other care arrangements (Frank, Tatum et al. 1999).

Their own health and wellbeing: Many young carers are aware of the long-term impacts that caring can have on their lives. Others are concerned about their own susceptibility to illnesses and conditions and that of their future children (Moore 2005). "

(p.12)