The Hidden Millions — America’s Youth and Teen Caregivers

When we think of caregivers, most of us imagine parents, grandparents, or trained professionals. But across the United States, a quieter story unfolds every day: millions of children and teenagers are stepping into the role of caregiver long before adulthood.

The Numbers We Can’t Ignore

According to research, more than 5.4 million children under 18 regularly provide care for a family member who is aging, chronically ill, or disabled. The true number is almost certainly higher, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased illness and caregiving demands across households.

These young people assist with everything from helping a sibling with special needs to supporting a parent with mobility or health challenges, to simply keeping the household afloat when others can’t. Their work mirrors adult caregiving in many ways, but because they are under 18, their efforts are rarely seen, counted, or supported.

A Double Standard in Recognition

In schools across America, students are encouraged to log volunteer hours to graduate, qualify for scholarships, or stand out in college applications. Yet for caregiving youth, the time they spend caring for family often far more than typical volunteer service doesn’t “count.”

Instead, these students are left trying to balance:

Homework and tests with caregiving duties.
Jobs or extracurriculars with supporting loved ones.
Normal childhood milestones with adult responsibilities.

And still, in official systems, their hours remain invisible.

A Universal Story — With an American Blind Spot

Globally, caregiving youth are increasingly recognized in policy and practice. The UK and Australia have national frameworks that identify and support youth caregivers. In the U.S., a small but powerful model exists: the Caregiving Youth Project in Florida, which has helped caregiving teens graduate at a 98% rate and pursue higher education at over 90%.

But despite this proof of concept, there is no national system in America to recognize caregiving youth.

Hidden in Plain Sight

The irony is that caregiving youth are everywhere. They’re in classrooms, sports teams, youth groups, and communities across the country. They often don’t self-identify as “caregivers,” because they see what they’re doing as simply helping their families. But in truth, they are carrying a burden of responsibility that deserves recognition.

Among these hidden caregivers are military-connected teens facing the same challenges as their civilian peers, but with additional layers of sacrifice and stress. Their story will be the focus of our next blog in this series.

Why This Matters

Caregiving youth should not have to choose between caring for their families and being recognized for their service. By shining a light on their contributions, we move closer to a future where their work is counted, supported, and honored.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s time to ensure the voices of caregiving youth, civilian and military alike are part of the story of service that defines our nation.

The Torch of Care Community Service Hours (TCCSH) is the first national pilot program designed to formally recognize youth caregiving as community service. By awarding official service hour credits, TCCSH ensures that caregiving teens, both military and civilian, receive recognition for their contributions at home and in their communities.

Nominate a military-connected teen or civilian teen caregiver to be recognized at The Military Child World Expo 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.