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Emotional Impact of Parental Illness
N was referred to the Young Carers Service as she is emotionally affected by her Mum’s ongoing and deteriorating health. During one-to-one sessions, N spoke openly and maturely about her experiences of seeing her mum unwell. She showed a high level of awareness for her age, including recognising “red flags” in her mum’s health and understanding when to seek help. Although Mum has carers in place to support her own needs, concerns remain regarding the emotional impact on N, particularly given her age and the responsibilities she has taken on.
N shared that paramedics have attended the family home on numerous occasions due to Mum falling. There have been incidents where N has had to leave the house to seek help from neighbours. Mum’s mobility has significantly reduced; she previously used a crutch indoors and a wheelchair when outside but now requires increased assistance with daily tasks. N also spoke about the emotional support she provides to Mum, particularly when Mum is feeling low and expressing negative thoughts about her appearance due to medication side effects. N described trying to lift Mum’s mood and reassure her.
At the time of referral, school were unaware of these circumstances. As a result, N had been attending school daily, presenting as settled and achieving well academically, while carrying significant emotional worry at home. Recently, Mum contacted the school to explain that she sometimes struggles to get N into school in the mornings due to her health. The school agreed to offer support with this.
Current Support
At present, there was no additional support in place for N outside of the Young Carers Service. Following discussion with the Family Support Officer, the school has now been made fully aware of the family’s situation.
N explained that Mum is no longer able to take her to school. Instead, transport is arranged through a family friend or school staff due to Mum’s declining health.
Actions and Interventions Completed
- Referral hopefully being discussed at the Transforming Lives Panel
- School providing support with transport to and from school
- Children’s Social Care contacted (with Mum’s consent) to explore additional support
- Case discussed with the Family Support Officer, and a was recommended
- Safety plan created for N to follow when she is home alone with Mum
Outcome
- N continues to receive 1:1 support session through the Young Carers Service
- School now helps with pick-ups and drop-offs when Mum is unable to transport N
- School is highly supportive and proactive now that they are aware of the family’s circumstances
- Mum has provided consent for a CAF, and one meeting has already taken place
- N may be discussed further at the Transforming Lives Panel
- Children’s Social Care confirmed that the family would benefit from a CAF
- A safety plan is now in place to support N when she is alone at home with Mum
Summary
This case highlights the significant emotional impact that parental illness can have on a young child, particularly when caring responsibilities are present. Through coordinated multi-agency working, increased school awareness, and targeted emotional support, N is now better supported both at home and in school. Ongoing intervention aims to reduce N’s emotional burden and ensure her wellbeing remains a priority.