Washington, DC–Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 9 - 15, 2026, as National Caregiving Youth Week. The resolution honors the contributions and commitment of children and adolescents under 18 years who serve as primary or secondary caregivers for a loved one who is aging, has a chronic illness, disability, frailty, or other health condition requiring regular assistance. It is estimated that there are over six million Caregiving Youth nationwide.

“All over the country, there are young people who set aside their own needs—school work, extracurricular activities, and time with their friends—and take on the immense responsibility of serving as caregivers for members of their family who may be elderly, ill, or disabled,” said Rep. Frankel. “This week, we recognize the invaluable contributions Caregiving Youth make to their families and communities, as well as the unique challenges these young people face.” 

“Our country is home to millions of kindhearted youth who care for family members that need their help,” said Rep. Salazar. “Taking on this enormous responsibility is no easy task, for anyone at any age. I am honored to reintroduce this resolution recognizing caregiving youth whose sacrifices humble and inspire all of us.”

“Caregiving Youth often carry responsibilities that go unseen as they balance school with caring for a loved one,” said Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, President and Founder, American Association of Caregiving Youth. “This resolution sends an important message: we see you, we value you, and your needs matter. We are grateful to Congresswomen Lois Frankel and María Elvira Salazar, along with their congressional colleagues, for their bipartisan support and for bringing national attention to the support these children and teens need to succeed in school and in life.”

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 others to become more familiar with the work, needs, and contributions of Caregiving Youth;

• Encourages state education agencies, school districts, and schools to identify Caregiving Youth and connect them with appropriate resources;

• Supports Federal initiatives to provide up-to-date nationwide research on Caregiving Youth.

The Members were joined by 10 cosponsors: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Eleanor Holmes Norton (Del.-D-DC-At Large), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).

The resolution is supported by the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY).

For full text of the resolution, click here.

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