North Miami-Dade News

Representatives María Elvira Salazar, Lois Frankel, and Barbara Lee have introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 11-17, 2024, as National Young Carers Week. This resolution honors the contributions and commitment of young individuals under 18 who provide essential care to their loved ones.

"Our country is home to millions of kind-hearted young people caring for family members in need," said Representative Salazar. "I am honored to jointly lead this resolution recognizing young carers whose sacrifices inspire us all."

Young carers are defined as children and adolescents under 18 who serve as primary or secondary caregivers for family members or household members who are aging, have chronic illness, disability, frailty, or other health conditions requiring regular assistance. It is estimated that there are over five million young carers nationwide.

The resolution:

- Supports the designation of National Young Carers Week;

- Recognizes young carers in the United States as an underserved and unrecognized population;

- Encourages educators, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and others to become more familiar with the work, needs, and contributions of young carers; and

- Supports federal initiatives to provide updated national research on young carers.

The American Association of Young Caregivers supports the resolution.

"Across the country, there are young people putting aside their own needs (studies, extracurricular activities, and time with friends) to serve as caregivers for family members who may be elderly, sick or disabled," said Representative Frankel. "November is National Family Caregivers Month and we are proud to recognize the work of these young carers."

"Today there are millions across our country serving as primary caregivers for their family members needing additional support. Many of these caregivers come from families of color or low-income communities. Without adequate resources and support this additional work can be burdensome," said Representative Lee. "No one should have to choose between their own well-being and health and caring for their loved ones. I am proud to support those caregivers giving so much for their families."

"More than 5.4 million youth caregivers in the U.S. remain largely invisible balancing school life while quietly providing essential care to ill injured elderly or disabled relatives," said Dr. Connie Siskowski president founder American Association Youth Caregivers (AACY). "Most people do not realize challenging difficult roles these children assume without fault deserve need formal support adaptation within education healthcare systems no child should feel alone journey striving succeed academically personally."

Congresswoman Salazar has introduced several bills supporting caregivers in Miami across United States including Improving Retirement Security Family Caregivers Act (H.R. 9765) Recovering Family Caregivers Act (H.R. 9764). These bills address financial challenges faced by individuals leaving workforce care loved ones often sacrificing long-term financial security.

For full text resolution click here.