Washington, DC – This week, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-21), Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced a resolution designating November 13-19, 2022 as National Caregiving Youth Week, and to recognize the efforts and sacrifices of youth under 18 caring for a loved one.

“All over the country, there are children and teenagers who are forced to set aside their own needs like school work, extracurricular activities, and time with their friends to serve as primary or secondary caregivers for members of their family,” said Rep. Frankel. “November is National Family Caregivers Month, and we’re proud to recognize the work and sacrifices these brave children and teens make for their loved ones.”

“Millions of people across the country serve as the primary caregiver for family members in need of extra support, and we know that many of these caregivers are from families of color or low-income communities,” said Rep. Lee. “But without adequate resources and support, the added labor can put a strain on caregivers. No one should have to choose between their own wellbeing and mental health and the health and care of their loved ones. 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.”

“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.”

“Especially in these uncertain times and during this month of recognizing adult family caregivers, we must also be a voice for the millions of invisible at-risk children and teens who provide care for family member(s) or loved ones who are chronically ill, injured, elderly, or disabled,” said Connie Siskowski, RN, Ph.D., Founder and President of the American Association of Caregiving Youth. “In doing so, they often sacrifice their education, health, well-being, and childhood.  Thank you to Reps. Frankel, Lee, and Salazar for being the first ever to name this week on their behalf!"

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. AARP estimates that 3-5 million youths nationwide fit this description.

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.

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