If you or your parents request it, a member of the young carers team from your local council will visit to carry out a young carers assessment.
This assessment is different from the one adult carers have. It’ll decide what kind of help you and your family might need.
Even if the council has already carried out one of these assessments, they must do another if you or your parents feel that your needs or circumstances have changed.
A young carers assessment can determine whether it’s appropriate for you to care for someone else, and takes into account whether you want to be a carer.
The young carers representative must also look at your education, training, leisure opportunities and views about your future.
As part of the assessment, the person must ask about your wishes and involve you, your parents and anyone else you or your parents want to be involved.
All these people should receive a written record of the assessment. This will include whether the council thinks you need support, whether their services could provide you with it, and whether they will give you it.
It should also explain what you can do if you or your parents disagree with the assessment.
If you and the person you care for both agree, the local council can assess your needs as a young carer and the needs of the person you care for at the same time.
If you are 16 or over and not in full-time education, you may be eligible for help finding work, as well as with your family’s finances for instance, through benefits such as Carers Allowance.
Getting an assessment is the best way to find out what’s available in your situation.
If you live in or care for someone in Bracknell Forest, the Council provides the young carers service.
To get an assessment you will need to meet the definition of a young carer and have your parents consent. You should also get an assessment if you are doing any age inappropriate care, or your caring responsibilities affect your:
- physical health
- education
- emotional wellbeing
- relationships with family and friends
A young carers assessment is a chance for you to talk about your needs as a young carer and the ways in which you could receive support.
Most assessments in Bracknell Forest are completed by a professional you already know such as your Family Support Advisor in school, your social worker or an early help professional.
Email: young.carers@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Or: Talk to your school, social carer or early help professional and they can refer you.
