‘Young People with Caring Responsibilities: Time for Action’
In 2023, the The Victorian Department of Health’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Division (MHWD) commissioned The Bouverie Centre at La Trobe University, in partnership with Satellite Foundation, to scope existing international research and conduct local field studies on identification and referral pathways for young people whose home life includes caring responsibilities for an adult with mental health, alcohol or other drug (AoD) challenges.
This project is a two-part study, one being research and very academic, and the other component being the field study and consultations with young people.
The findings of this two-part study provide key evidence to inform future policies and services to strengthen identification, engagement, referral, and access to support services that meet the needs of young people and their families.
We’d like to shine a light on the amazing work undertaken by one of our Squad members and volunteer, Scarlett Davidson, who took on the role of peer researcher for the duration of the study and is still doing some work with Bouverie in the research team.
A huge shout-out to part of our team that collaborated with the research: Leanne Vuong, Mia Boonen, Melanie Renwick, Hannah Zinnack, and others who helped facilitate the consultations, ensuring they became a reality and that the voices of young people and parents/carers were heard and included.
Take a look at the report below:
