HC Deb 03 December 2001 vol 376 cc143-4W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that the current information campaign for carers' rights will include young carers. [19987]

Jacqui Smith

Information for carers has been made accessible through telephone helplines, publications by the Government and voluntary organisations, carers centres and on-line services such as the Government carers website.

We are committed to addressing the needs of young carers as set out in both the Quality Protects programme launched in 1998 and the National Strategy for Carers published in 1999. The views and comments of young carers are taken into consideration when developing policy for the Quality Protects programme.

We currently fund the Children's Society to take forward "The Young Carers Initiative" which involves consulting directly with young carers about their views and needs. The information obtained from the consultation will be used as a basis for producing a practice guide and resource pack. These packs will contain information on how best to deliver the needs of young carers and to encourage better partnership working within agencies.

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure the needs of young carers will be targeted as part of his Department's funding of mental health services. [19986]

Jacqui Smith

A target has been set for mental health services that by March 2002 all regular carers of people on enhanced Care Programme Approach (CPA), including young carers, will have their own written support plans which will address their caring, physical and own mental health needs. These support plans will be implemented by October 2002.

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