Barnardo’s has warned that the Government’s Health and Care Bill may mean more sick and disabled adults are discharged from hospital into the sole care of children.
The children’s charity says that, currently, the NHS must consult the patient’s carer when discharging a patient. However, the bill in its current form removes this safeguard for all carers, including young carers.
Research by the University of Nottingham, with the BBC, in 2018, found that there are more than 800,000 young carers in the UK.
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “Young carers do an amazing job, but it is vital that they are not asked to provide a level of support that is detrimental to their wellbeing, or is beyond their capability.
“If an adult is to be discharged from hospital into the care of a young person, it is important for everyone involved that an assessment takes place to ensure this is appropriate, and to check whether more formal support would be more suitable.
“Both adult and children’s social care services are under significant pressure. If we are to make sure that young carers get the support they need and do not have to take on excessive responsibilities, councils must receive the funding they need to provide these vital services.”