Young carers play an invaluable role in our community, and we’re thrilled the State Government agrees, identifying young carers as a Key Priority Group in its new Youth Action Plan 2025-2028.

Launched last week through the Department of Human Services SA, the plan recognises that “young people with caring responsibilities demonstrate remarkable compassion, generosity, loyalty and resourcefulness”.

Brigid Koenig, General Manager of Young Carers SA, welcomes the new plan and says identifying young carers as a Key Priority Group is a vital step towards ensuring they are seen, heard and supported.

“To respond to their needs, young people need to be consulted, and we’re pleased that the voices of more than 850 young people are reflected in this plan,” Brigid says.

 “The plan includes a range of actions that will support and empower young carers to thrive and reach their full potential.

“These include innovative ways to increase driver’s licence attainment for young people with limited family support, addressing cost barriers to participation in recreation activities, the development of mental health programs and training, and programs that help facilitate social connections.

“We look forward to collaborating with the government on further measures which will support South Australian young carers, and we will continue to advocate for their needs so that no young carer is alone on their caregiving journey.”

The new plan also highlights how approximately 10 percent, or 30,000, of young South Australians take on a significant caregiving role for a family member who has a chronic illness, suffers with substance misuse, has a disability or mental health concern, or is ageing.

Read the full plan here: https://dhs.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/179144/DHS-SA-Youth-Action-Plan-2025-2028.pdf