What the World Can Teach Us — Global Models of Youth Caregiver Support

Gold Star Spouse of The United States

When it comes to supporting young caregivers, the United States is far behind. While millions of caregiving youth here remain invisible, other nations, and even one local U.S. program have already proven that recognition changes everything.

Lessons from Abroad

United Kingdom: National Recognition

In the UK, young carers are formally recognized in national policy. Schools are trained to identify them, and local authorities provide support through specialized programs. This recognition gives caregiving youth access to counseling, academic accommodations, and community networks. Most importantly, it makes them visible in systems that otherwise overlook them.

Australia: Systemic Support

Australia recognizes young carers as part of its national caregiving framework. Youth caregivers are eligible for financial support, peer groups, and educational flexibility. By integrating them into social policy, Australia ensures they are supported not just as children, but as contributors to the fabric of caregiving society.

A Glimpse of What’s Possible: Florida’s Caregiving Youth Project

Closer to home, Palm Beach County, Florida launched the Caregiving Youth Project in 2006.

The results are striking:

• 98% graduation rate, even among teens balancing caregiving with school.

• Over 90% continue to higher education.

• Access to wellness days, mentoring, and academic support reduces stress and isolation.

This school-based program proves what research has long shown: when caregiving youth are recognized and supported, they thrive.

The U.S. Gap

Despite these examples, there is no national framework in the United States to recognize youth caregivers, and certainly not military teen caregivers. Federal caregiver programs exclude those under 18, schools rarely acknowledge caregiving as community service, and youth voices are absent from policy tables.

This leaves millions of caregiving youth in the shadows, carrying responsibilities without recognition.

Why This Matters for America’s 250th

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity, and a responsibility to bring youth caregivers out of the shadows and onto the national stage.

The Torch of Care Community Service Hours (TCCSH) pilot program builds on these global lessons. Like the UK, it makes caregiving visible. Like Australia, it provides systemic recognition. Like Florida’s Caregiving Youth Project, it proves that outcomes improve when support is given.

But unlike any other model, TCCSH is the first national pilot designed to recognize both civilian and military teen caregivers, ensuring that their service is honored as part of America’s legacy.

Looking Ahead

In our next blog, we’ll introduce TCCSH in depth: how it works, how it turns care into credit, and why it represents the first national framework for youth caregiver recognition in the United States.