Caregiving Youth Project (CYP)
"I have learned I am no longer alone…"
The CYP is the first US comprehensive program to address the challenges faced by children who take care of ill, injured, elderly or disabled family members. It promotes social and system change by integrating healthcare (body), education (mind) and the community (spirit) to create a solid foundation of support services.
The Issue:
The stressors and responsibilities of caregiving have profound effects on education, health and overall development of youth; all youth deserve the opportunity to learn, experience childhood and become productive adults.
The Reasons:
Learning, a child's job, requires focus and occurs at school, at home and at play;
Focus for the student is tough when family health conditions create a decline in independence accompanied by stressors and require caregiving;
Family caregiving is typically an adult responsibility; but adults are not always available, thus thrusting children into this role;
More than a million young people bathe, dress, feed, assist with walking, give medications and do many other tasks for family members leaving little play time.
Click here to see what goes on inside a young caregiver!
The Services:
The Caregiving Youth Projects breaks through the barriers with direct services:
In School - skills-building classes, support groups, and lunch and learn sessions;
At Home - linking families with resources, providing computers, tutoring and solutions for special needs;
Out of School - overnight camp, fishing, dining, educational and fun activities.
The Result:
Integrated CYP services strengthen students, families, schools and communities.
As of April 1, 2010 nearly 300 youth caregivers and their families from seven middle schools in Palm Beach County, FL are currently active with 200 more in the pipeline.
Youth caregivers elect to remain with the CYP into high school - and they do!
Caregiving youth report that CYP has helped them with grades, confidence, skills, family life, communication and managing anger and stress.
Highlights
American Association of Caregiving Youth
Caregiving Youth Volunteers
Continuing Care
CYP Schools
CYP High Schools
CYP Middle Schools
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