Reps. Frankel, Salazar, and Lee Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Caregiving Youth Week

Reps. Frankel, Salazar, and Lee Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Caregiving Youth Week

Washington, DC - Today, Reps. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), and Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 11-17, 2024, as National Caregiving Youth Week. The resolution seeks to honor the contributions and commitment of youth under 18 who provide essential care for their loved ones.

"All over the country, there are young people who set aside their own needs-studying, extracurricular activities, and time with their friends-to serve as caregivers for members of their family who may be elderly, ill, or disabled," said Rep. Frankel. "November is National Family Caregivers Month, and we're proud to recognize the work of these young caregivers."

"Our country is home to millions of kindhearted youth who care for family members that need their help," said Rep. Salazar. "I am honored to co-lead this resolution recognizing caregiving youth whose sacrifices humble and inspire all of us."

"Today, there are millions of people across our country that serve as the primary caregivers for their family members that need extra support - and many of these caregivers are from families of color or low-income communities. Without adequate resources and support, this added labor can put a strain on caregivers," said Rep. Lee. "No one should have to choose between their own well-being and health and the care of their loved ones. I'm proud to stand with caregivers that give so much for their families."

"More than 5.4 million caregiving youth in the U.S. remain largely invisible, balancing school and life while quietly providing essential care to ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members," said Dr. Connie Siskowski, President and Founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY). "Most people don't realize the challenging and difficult roles these children are taking on through no fault of their own. They deserve and need formal support and accommodation within systems of eucation and healthcare. No child should feel alone in this journey as they strive to succeed academically and personally."

Caregiving youth refers to children and adolescents under age 18 who serve as primary or secondary caregivers for family or household members who are aging, have a chronic illness, disability, frailty, or other health condition requiring regular assistance. It is estimated that there are over 5 million caregiving youth nationwide.

The resolution:

• Supports the designation of National Caregiving Youth Week;
• Recognizes caregiving youth in the United States as an underserved and underrecognized population;
• Encourages educators, policymakers, health care professionals, and others to become more familiar with the work, needs, and contributions of caregiving youth; and
• Supports Federal initiatives to provide up-to-date nationwide research on caregiving youth.

The Members were joined by 10 original cosponsors: Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-2), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (D-GA-5)

The resolution is supported by the American Association of Caregiving Youth.

For full text of the resolution, click here.

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