American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY)

University of Miami Highlights Medical Student’s Work, Including Research on Caregiving Youth Press Alert | January 6, 2025, | The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has published an article featuring medical student Aidan Scagel, M.P.H. ’25, spotlighting his dedication to service, military medicine, and his impactful public health research—including his work with the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY). As part of his M.P.H. capstone project, Scagel, guided by Dr. Julie Belkowitz, MD, MPH, Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the Miller School, focused on the challenges faced by Caregiving Youth—children and teens who care for sick or disabled family members. Their research examined the social, emotional, and academic impacts of caregiving responsibilities and identified pathways for improved support. “We are grateful to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for their support in advancing awareness of Caregiving Youth and Dr. Julia Belkowitz for her dedication to this important work. Aidan Scagel’s research shines a light on the often-overlooked challenges these young caregivers face, and we‘re proud to have been part of his impactful journey.” — Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD., Founder, and President of AACY “This collaboration reflects the growing recognition of the unique needs of Caregiving Youth and the importance of integrating their experiences into broader healthcare and public health conversations. I was pleased to collaborate with Aidan Scagel on this meaningful project and look forward to continuing efforts to support and advocate for these young caregivers.” — Dr. Julia Belkowitz, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Dean for Student Affairs, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine This project is just one example of Aidan Scagel‘s broader commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and serving communities in need, both locally and globally. Read the Article Here: https://lnkd.in/eW2kBHV5 Note: Aidan Scagel is expected to graduate from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in May 2025.

These faces are why we do this work. And their stories are why we won’t stop. At AACY, we're not just changing lives; we're shaping futures. Here are a few of the incredible students in our Caregiving Youth Project (CYP)—the only program of its kind in the United States. Thanks to our longstanding Behavioral Health Agreement with The School District of Palm Beach County, our CYP team can: ▪ Directly engage with school personnel and students, providing personalized support tailored to each student's needs. ▪ Utilize school facilities for specialized Skills-Building Workshops, designed to address the social, emotional, and practical challenges Caregiving Youth face. ▪ Monitor and assess student progress with access to academic records, ensuring our approach leads to positive outcomes. ▪ Students typically remain in the CYP for five and a half years, from 6th through 12th grade, receiving consistent support at both school and home. Our goal? To improve academic performance, build confidence in caregiving roles, reduce feelings of isolation, and guide students toward graduation. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of community-driven education—an innovative blend of academic, emotional, and practical support specifically designed for students who are also caregivers. Want to learn more about how we're supporting Caregiving Youth or explore ways to get involved? Visit our website or reach out to us directly. Every young caregiver deserves recognition and support. Together, we can make that happen. #CaregivingYouth #Caregiving #KidsAreCaregiversToo

It's promising to see South Korea recognizing the needs of Caregiving Youth in national policy discussions. Health Minister Cho Gyu-hong highlighted support for young caregivers as part of broader reforms for vulnerable groups. "We will strengthen income support for vulnerable groups and expand support for new welfare needs, such as family caregiving youths, isolated and reclusive youths, and those at risk of dying alone, while enhancing caregiving support." Global recognition is growing—let's hope more countries, especially the United States, follow suit. https://lnkd.in/ehQWAMW3 #CaregivingYouth American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY)

Wishing Peace, Love, and Hope to Caregiving Youth in 2025 As we step into the new year, we honor the strength, kindness, and resilience of Caregiving Youth across the country. Every day, these young people balance school, friendships, and caring for family members with health challenges—often without the recognition or support they deserve. At the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), we’re committed to making sure this year brings more awareness, more support, and more opportunities for every Caregiving Youth to feel seen, valued, and understood. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action and change for Caregiving Youth.

December Treasure Talk: Closing the Year with Gratitude and Looking Ahead https://lnkd.in/e3Q8TDDy As we wrap up 2024, this month’s Treasure Talk is packed with highlights, reflections, and stories that celebrate the strength and dedication of Caregiving Youth. From the joy of our Holiday Party to inspiring stories of resilience—like Raquel’s kayaking adventure and Ella’s commitment to caring for her sister—this issue shines a light on the incredible young people who balance caregiving, school, and growing up. We’re also sharing exciting updates on national recognition, including Rhode Island’s groundbreaking proclamation and Palm Beach County’s Caregiving Youth Appreciation Month. This edition is a reminder of why we do this work: every face, every story, every achievement matters. Join us as we head into 2025, continuing to amplify the voices of Caregiving Youth and building a world where they are truly seen, understood, and supported. Treasure Talk is a monthly newsletter for and about the young people in the AACY Caregiving Youth Project (CYP) and all supporters of Caregiving Youth. In Treasure Talk, we use the term “treasure” to let the kids know that they are highly valued and cherished as individuals and to recognize and remind them of the positive impact they have on the lives of others around them. #CaregivingYouth

These faces are why we do this work. And their stories are why we won’t stop. This year, we worked hard to amplify the voices of Caregiving Youth on some of the most influential national media platforms, reaching millions of people across the country. Through this coverage, audiences gained a clearer picture of what it means to balance school, friendships, and caregiving responsibilities for family members facing chronic illness, disability, mental health challenges, or age-related frailty. In the United States, over 5.4 million children and teenagers under the age of 18 take on significant caregiving roles. Their stories reached national audiences in 2024 through: NBC’s TODAY Show with Maria Shriver — Highlighting the often unseen responsibilities of Caregiving Youth and the support they need to succeed. Watch Here: https://lnkd.in/eErW-s-X The Wall Street Journal — Sharing the reality of 5.4 million young caregivers and the impact caregiving has on their education and daily lives. Read Here: Subscription Required – https://lnkd.in/ejCku_nV Email info@aacy.org for access USA Today — Featuring insights from AACY Founder Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, discussing how millions of kids care for adults while often feeling isolated and overlooked. Read Here: https://lnkd.in/ekUCJkxJ Fox News — Featuring AACY President Connie Siskowski discussing how financial strain and limited care options are increasing caregiving responsibilities for young people. Watch Here: https://lnkd.in/ePwwBBw8 These weren’t just media moments—they were a powerful step toward recognition, understanding, and action for Caregiving Youth. Every story shared brings us closer to a future where these young caregivers are fully supported—not just in headlines, but in classrooms, healthcare settings, communities, and state and national policies. No child should have to drop out of school or life due to caregiving responsibilities. No young person should have to face caregiving alone. #CaregivingYouth #Caregiving #KidsAreCaregiversToo

Sharing this because it's good... This story not only highlights a Caregiving Youth experience but also illustrates one of the many diverse situations in which young people take on caregiving roles for their families. The article shares the experience of Lucy, a 15-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has spent her life helping her family navigate sight loss. From a young age, Lucy became her family’s "eyes," helping with tasks like reading labels, matching clothes, and making sure her mom didn’t trip over obstacles. While she’s always been glad to help, Lucy reflects on how her responsibilities at home felt very different from her friends’ lives. She thought she was the only kid who was a caregiver... Featuring Action for Children and written by Aasma Day for iPaper, this piece offers an important look at the lives of Caregiving Youth—a reality that transcends borders and is just as relevant to readers in the U.S. as it is in the UK. From sight loss to Alzheimer's, ALS, diabetes, and more, these young people take on big caregiving roles and need to be recognized and supported—not based solely on the diagnosis of the person they care for, but as a group of caregivers in their own right. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/eGzM9mb5

Wishing peace, joy, and togetherness to everyone celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply enjoying time with loved ones this season. At the American Association of Caregiving Youth, we are so grateful for the incredible young caregivers we support and the community that makes our work possible. May your holidays be filled with warmth, light, and meaningful moments. Happy Holidays from all of us at AACY!

Caregiving is caregiving—but age matters. While all caregivers share huge responsibilities, the age at which caregiving happens is really important and nuanced. Middle and high school kids who are caregivers juggle homework, caregiving tasks, and all the bologna/challenges of growing up. They have to go to school, and many hide their caregiving roles from the outside world... For college students and young adults, caregiving adds a huge layer of pressure and disadvantage for their age. They're trying to become/forced to be independent, start careers, and discover who they are—all while carrying caregiving responsibilities. Yet, most colleges don’t recognize these challenges, and many workplaces either don’t know how or choose not to support them. - Sorry, kids - you're in the "real world" now... Caregiving is challenging at any age, but it hits differently for teens and young adults because these are such critical years for growth, identity, and opportunity. This difference matters, but support systems don't reflect it. "They fall into every potential crack that exists," says Melinda Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW, a professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee who is one of the few researchers who study this population. In terms of resources, "Nothing is targeted for a 22-year-old. Nothing." American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) focuses on supporting middle and high school Caregiving Youth - kids 18 and under... But the need doesn't disappear at 18—it just evolves. Young adult caregivers often navigate caregiving without the safety nets or support systems they might have had as teens. This NPR article does an excellent job highlighting the unique challenges young adult caregivers face and the gaps in support and resources they experience. It also features insights from Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative members, friends, partners, and advocates of Caregiving Youth, including: Feylyn Lewis, PhD  Melinda Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW Amanda Kastrinos, PhD  Lorenzo's House  National Alliance for Caregiving and others... Did you know - the UK is working on this... there's a model there. Organizations like Carers Trust recognize these age-specific carer needs in the UK, offering programs focused on job placement, social support, and resources tailored to young adult caregivers. They are working hard to help. This isn't an unsolvable problem. The US just hasn't formally recognized it yet... there's little awareness. With some innovation, inclusion, targeted resources, and a willingness to listen, we can build supports that meet these young caregivers where they are. It doesn’t have to cost much to support these two age groups of caregivers—it just takes awareness, intention, and thoughtful actions within existing systems, as well as a willingness to create new ones where needed. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eWRSmHyM

Did you know? There are over 5.4 million Caregiving Youth (kids ages 8–18) in the United States—young people balancing school, life, and caregiving responsibilities for a family member. Yet, not one piece of federal or state legislation formally recognizes them or carves out services specifically for their needs. These kids are literally off the radar—an invisible population in our systems of care. In the UK, young carers are formally recognized and supported through targeted services, resources, and policies. The U.S. needs to follow suit with meaningful legislation and actionable support systems that provide Caregiving Youth with the resources, protections, and recognition they deserve. As you gather for holiday celebrations and year-end reflections, remember these kids. Include them in your conversations, share their stories, and let’s work together to make meaningful change for Caregiving Youth in the year ahead.