Thousands of young carers in Western Australia support family members every day, but many remain invisible and unsupported in schools, according to new report.
The University of Western Australia and Carers WA co-authored Evaluation of the Young Carers Peer Support Group Toolkit, which highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated and consistent approach to identify young carers and provide support in WA schools.
Young carers provide significant support for family members with disability, illness or mental health challenges, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who is frail aged.
A young carer (under 25 years of age) could be caring for many people at once, or for someone with multiple health conditions and can also be managing their own health conditions and disabilities.
Professor Stephan Lund, research lead from The University of Western Australia's School of Health and Clinical Sciences and Head of Social Work and Social Policy, said young carers faced school absence, isolation and emotional strain yet many remain unrecognised.
"Young carers are a hidden group in our education system but with the right support, schools can play a critical role in improving their wellbeing and outcomes," Professor Lund said.
The report evaluated Carers WA's Peer Support Group Toolkit, designed to help schools establish structured peer support for young carers.
Researchers found schools were critical to identifying and supporting young carers, but current approaches were inconsistent and often relied on individual staff awareness.
The findings showed the program improved connection, confidence and coping for young carers by providing a safe space to feel seen, supported and understood however, limited resourcing and staff capacity restricted its reach.
The results highlighted a need for consistent identification of young carers in schools, trauma-informed whole-of-school approaches, expanded funding for peer support programs for young carers, and stronger links between schools and support services.
Carers WA CEO Richard Newman said young carers were already carrying responsibilities well beyond their years, often without their schools even knowing.
"If we fail to identify and support them early, we are effectively asking them to navigate education and care alone — and that has real, lifelong consequences," Mr Newman said.
