In this wrap-up episode, we discussed the "Caregiving Youth Hidden in Plain Sight" special series, a collaboration between JJ and Natalie and My Care Friends CEO Todd Keitz and Katie Seymour (VP of Programming and Community). We were all amazed at how eye-opening it was to learn about the challenges faced by young people caring for family members with disabilities or illnesses. We highlighted the wisdom and resilience shown by many of the youth caregivers featured while acknowledging the need to support those struggling.
In this episode, we underscored the vital role of policies, programs, and community coordination in identifying and assisting youth caregivers, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in the UK. We stressed the ongoing need to raise awareness and provide resources to connect youth caregivers with the support they need. We urged our listeners to visit the podcast's website, where they can access the full series and contact information for the various organizations featured. We aim to create a centralized hub of information, empowering and assisting this often-overlooked population.
We also discussed the hidden nature of many caregiving programs and the challenge of self-identification among youth caregivers. We discussed ways to help overlooked youth, including a broader focus beyond the US, and the significance of awareness within the community, including schools and teachers.
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
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