3 March 2026
Almost 400,000 young people and children have caring responsibilities for a family member or friend in Australia.
Young carers are aged up to 25 years – these figures mean there is likely at least one in every high school classroom.
They take on extraordinary responsibilities. They overwhelmingly do so not by choice. They relieve pressure on Australia’s disability, aged care and health systems, but are more likely to have poorer short- and long-term health and financial wellbeing. Data also show young carers experience worse outcomes in education compared to their peers1.
Young carers regularly say they feel like they miss out on childhood2 , and that they are overlooked. This is where the term ‘glass children’ comes from – young carers feel like they are invisible and unrecognised due to the needs of others.
The ACA is working with Carers Australia to raise awareness of this issue and better connect young carers with support.
Carers Australia runs the Young Carers Network – a hub linking young carers with support services.
The young carer experience
Many young carers say their responsibilities began very young – including early primary school aged years.
Carers Australia also commonly hears a young carer say that they thought ‘they were the only one’ and did not realise they were part of a bigger group of children and young people taking on similar responsibilities.
It is common for carers of all ages to not realise they are a carer until well after they took on caring responsibilities. Unfortunately, this means carers aren’t aware of carer-specific supports; carers often only reach out for help when they’re already in crisis..
Support
The Young Carers Network has a comprehensive list of supports available to young carers, including in each state/territory.
Carers Australia also wants to let ACA members know of these programs:
- Transition to Work - helps young people aged 15 to 24 into work, including apprenticeships, training or education. Transition to Work participants receive intensive, pre-employment support to develop practical skills to get a job, connect with education or training, find local job opportunities and connect with relevant local community service
- Carer Gateway - has information and tips on being a carer, how to get financial help, how to get help so a carer can take a break, and how to look after themselves.
- National Carer Network – the peak bodies for carers in each state/territory provide support, advice and resources for young carers.
- Fee Free Tafe – young carers are a priority group to access fee-free TAFE education in areas of national priority. More information here, but best directed to the state/territory TAFE body
- Young Carer Bursary – an annual program to help young carers balance education/study and caring responsibilities. Most recently involved 1600 Bursaries for people in greatest need.