Reps. Barbara Lee, Frankel, and Salazar, Recognize Work of Caregiving Youth as Natl. Family Caregivers Month Concludes
Washington, DC – In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), and Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) introduced a resolution designating November 13-19, 2023 as National Caregiving Youth Week, and to recognize the efforts and sacrifices of youth under 18 caring for a loved one.
"Without adequate resources and support, caregiving youth face significant mental health challenges and limited educational opportunities. Congress must identify and support this underserved population and invest in families & care,” said Rep. Lee. “Young people should not have to choose between their own well-being or education opportunities and the health and care of their loved ones. That's why I’m proud to partner with Rep. Frankel and my colleagues to recognize and stand with these caregivers that give so much and serve as a remarkable model of sacrifice."
“All over the country, there are young people who set aside their own needs—studying, extracurricular activities, and time with their friends—to serve as caregivers for members of their family who may be elderly, ill, or disabled,” said Rep. Frankel. “November is National Family Caregivers Month, and we’re proud to recognize the work of these young caregivers.”
“Our country is home to millions of kindhearted youth who care for family members that need their help,” said Rep. Salazar. “I am honored to co-lead this resolution recognizing caregiving youth whose sacrifices humble and inspire all of us.”
“In spite of what is going on in our country and/or the world, family members with chronic physical or emotional illnesses, injuries, the effects of aging, and disabilities, continue to need help with medical and personal care. In addition to the many adults who provide care at home, there are also millions of unseen children and teens who silently shoulder these same responsibilities behind closed doors," said Connie Siskowski, RN, Ph.D., Founder and President of the American Association of Caregiving Youth. "These young heroes often sacrifice their education, health, well-being, and childhood in the process. Thank you, Representatives Frankel, Lee, and Salazar, for raising awareness and championing the cause of Caregiving Youth by naming this week in their honor!"
Caregiving youth refers to children and adolescents aged 18 years and under who serve as a primary or secondary caregiver for family or household members who are aging, have a chronic illness, disability, frailty, or other health conditions for which they require assistance on a regular basis. It is estimated there are over 5 million caregiving youth nationwide.
The resolution:
- Supports the designation of National Caregiving Youth Week;
- Recognizes caregiving youth in the United States as an underserved and underrecognized population;
- Encourages educators, policymakers, health care professionals, and more to become more familiar with the work, needs, and contributions of caregiving youth; and
- Supports Federal initiatives to provide up-to-date nationwide research on caregiving youth.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.