NYS YOUTH CAREGIVER COALITION
Empowering Every Young Caregiver in New York
Across New York State, young people are helping care for family members every day without recognition, support, or systems designed for them.
We’re building a coalition to change that.
We advocate for youth caregivers by recognizing them as a unique population. Join us in establishing pathways for identification, support, and professional tools to enhance community awareness across the state.
A statewide initiative bringing together education, healthcare, community, and policy leaders.
Our Mission
The New York State Youth Caregiver Coalition is dedicated to advancing the recognition, identification, and support of youth caregivers through cross-sector collaboration, advocacy, and systems-level change ensuring that young people who provide care are seen, supported, and empowered across all of New York.
Youth caregiving doesn’t have to remain invisible.
With the right awareness, coordination, and leadership, New York State can implement a statewide Youth Caregiver Initiative that:
✔ Recognizes youth caregivers early
✔ Supports them across school, home, and community
✔ Equips professionals to respond
✔ Strengthens families not just individuals
The Hidden Reality of Youth Caregiving
Youth caregivers are children and young adults who provide care to a parent, sibling, grandparent, or loved one who is ill, disabled, aging, or facing mental health or substance use challenges.
They take on real responsibilities—often silently.
Yet in New York State:
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There is no formal system to identify them
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There are limited supports designed for their needs
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Many go unseen in schools, healthcare, and communities
Youth caregivers often experience:
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Stress, anxiety, and fatigue
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Academic challenges and missed opportunities
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Social isolation
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Emotional burden beyond their years
And too often… no one knows.
Join the Coalition and Drive Meaningful Change
This work cannot happen in isolation. Ready to make a difference?
As a member of the New York State Youth Caregiver Coalition, you will join a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative dedicated to advancing recognition and support for youth caregivers. Coalition members gain access to specialized professional tools, emerging identification pathways, and a collaborative network of cross-sector leaders working together to elevate awareness and drive meaningful change.
Through this partnership, you will help shape how youth caregivers are identified and supported across New York State, contribute to policy and systems-level advancement, and position your organization at the forefront of this emerging and critical field.
The Coalition is bringing together partners across sectors to:
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Align efforts and share knowledge
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Inform strategy and implementation
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Build momentum for statewide change
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Support the official launch of this initiative
Who Should Join: We are actively recruiting:
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Schools and educators
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Healthcare providers and systems
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Community-based organizations
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Youth-serving programs
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Policy and advocacy leaders
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Researchers and institutions
Youth caregivers have gone unseen for too long.
This is the moment to come together, build recognition, and create real support systems across New York State.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Coming Soon