Research into the rights of young carers in Wales
Sue Learner
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A research team led by young carers has been asked by the Welsh children's commissioner to find out what stops young carers enjoying the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Powys Young Carers will talk to young carers from across the country and ask what prevents them enjoying rights such as the right to education, the right to relax and play and the right to have their views respected.
Keith Towler, the new children's commissioner for Wales, said: "There are concerns that many young carers, who make up more than two percent of all children in Wales under the age of 16, are not allowed to enjoy their rights under the UNCRC. I feel that it is essential to give these young people a voice and to work closely with them to build a clearer profile of how they lead their lives."
Young carers will also be asked to comment on the extent to which they feel the Ten Entitlements - a flagship policy of the Welsh Assembly Government that sets out the services that should be available to young people between 11 and 25 - has been extended to them.
