What do French school staff know about young carers? A qualitative study about their perceptions

Abstract

Young carers (YCs) are children and adolescents who provide a significant help to family member(s) with a disease or a disability. They often remain hidden, especially in France where awareness levels and policy responses regarding YC are just emerging. Several studies show that YC often have difficulties at school because of their situation. However, school staff seems to have difficulties to identify and support YC. The aim of this study was to explore schools teachers and other professionals' levels of awareness and their perceptions of the potential impacts of caring on pupil attainment, achievement, and wellbeing. Thirty‐three professionals working with pupils from 6 to 18 years old (primary, secondary, and high schools) took part in a semi‐structured interview and in a short phone interview. The results showed that almost all had already met a YC. Despite knowledge and perceptions of potential impacts for their pupils, few undertook actions to support them. Healthcare professionals and school counsellors seemed more aware of these situations than teachers and more prone to offer support. These results underline the need to enhance all school staff's knowledge about YC and help them develop appropriate support.

Professionals’ Awareness of Young Carers in Schools: Results from a French Survey

“…The aim was to explore these aspects among general school professionals and compare professionals according to their specific occupations within education. In line with the results of a qualitative study by Justin et al [ 13 ], we expected that social and healthcare professionals, as well as school counsellors would have more accurate perceptions than teachers, principals, and other professionals.…”

“…However, it has been shown that YCs would like school professionals to be more aware of their family situations and to provide more support [ 2 , 7 , 12 ]. Therefore, school professionals may play a significant role in identifying and supporting YCs [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Yet, this study did not investigate whether, within the field of education, there were differences according to professionals’ specific occupations (e.g., teachers vs. school counsellors or school nurses). In France, a qualitative study showed that most school professionals were not aware of the term “young carer” even though they regularly met YCs in their practice [ 13 ]. Although they did not know how to identify and support YCs, they were at least able to provide some perceptions of their difficulties.…”

Profiles of French young carers taking part in an arts and respite care program

“…In any case, boys can also be involved in care and should not be overlooked. This is all the more important because professionals know little about YCs (Justin et al., 2021; Leu et al., 2020).…”

Teachers’ Perceptions of Supporting Young Carers in Schools: Identifying Support Needs and the Importance of Home–School Relationships

“…Such communication can help the teachers identify who is a young carer and to what extent, by better understanding their home situation and caring roles. This open communication between the parents and schools can also provide staff with more information and knowledge on young carers and how best to help them progress [ 62 ].…”