"Current status is an empty box": children's rights commissioner calls for more attention to young caregivers

Children and youth caring for a family member with a disability need better support, according to children's rights commissioner Caroline Vrijens. The current caregiver status is inadequate for minors, as it primarily caters to working adults. Schools also play a crucial role in providing flexibility and understanding for these young caregivers. Many young caregivers, like 16-year-old Yana, struggle with their responsibilities, affecting their education and mental health. The government plans to improve existing support rather than introduce new regulations, emphasizing the need for awareness and flexibility in schools. Ministers stress the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by young caregivers.