Young Carers JSNA

Strategic Issues

Identification gap

In Hartlepool, prevalence in EYFS-KS1 and post-16 are under-identified relative to expected prevalence.
With 0% in Year 13 this indicates non-identification rather than an absence of carers.
Variation by year group implies inconsistent practice, thresholds or awareness.
Young Carers are disproportionately from deprived backgrounds and BAME groups, and from households with parental mental illness, disability, or substance misuse.
There is a bidirectional risk: vulnerability can create caring roles and caring roles can create vulnerability (fatigue, anxiety, missed schooling).

Peaks in Year 6 and Year 9 plus low post-16 rates suggest transition slippage.

Without early support, YCs face higher risk of persistent absence, reduced attainment, and exclusions—particularly in Y9–Y11 as care intensity grows.
Stigma and misconceptions keep caring “hidden.” Post‑16 particularly needs a visibility uplift.

There has been an increase in known young carers in recent years which will increase pressure on support services.

The rapid increase will outstrip capacity of commissioned YC support, school pastoral teams, early help, and linked services (CAMHS, adult mental health, substance misuse).
Without scaling, identification will decouple from timely assessment and support.