During the 2013-2014 school year, the Caregiving Youth Project (CYP), under the auspices of the American Association of Caregiving Youth® (AACY) and in partnership with The School District of Palm Beach County, served 548 middle and high school caregiving youth. In addition to those who were from primary programs in eight middle schools and 17 high schools, the CYP served 47 students who attended schools within the county but were not part of the formal CYP affiliated schools. Although the student is the client, siblings and other family members also benefit from support services. Enrollment is rolling and includes students who are identified in a sixth grade eligibility process, referrals from school staff and other community agencies along with a growing number of students who self-refer. Needs-driven support services were provided in school, out of school, and at home. Caregiving youth stay in the CYP through high school graduation as long as they continue in that role and wish to participate. CYP activities continue throughout the calendar year.
In school: There were 83 middle school students who participated in Skills Building/support group six week sessions. 90% agreed or strongly agreed that they are using what they learned to help them in school and to manage anger; 2,823 individual student contacts with CYP staff occurred during 311 Lunch and Learn sessions; 98 groups were held with 613 student sessions and an ice cream social was held by Boca Leadership high school group to ease the transition from middle to high school; and, high school students participated in 57 workshops with 383 student contacts.
In the home: 161 home visits were made to assess and/or follow up with families resulting in 199 referrals to community resources to strengthen families; 51 students received academic support including tutoring, and computers – as of the 2013-2014 school year, more than 150 CYP students have computers. Additionally 256 students received back to school supplies to help level their playing field.
Out of school: Camp Treasure was enjoyed by 45 students plus 47 students enjoyed Reunion Camp held on the campus at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). They went swimming, went on fishing trips, participated in “Y” wellness days, Whole Foods cooking classes, and many other resources and support activities. Families received 321 delivered Thanksgiving meals. 238 participated in the Holiday Celebration where family portraits were taken and students and siblings not only received gifts but selected gifts to give to family through the Holiday Shoppe provided by corporate partners.
The 2013-2014 end of the year feedback represented 292 students who took care of 414 individuals in Palm Beach County with nearly 40% of students providing care for more than one person. There were 23 students who were providing care for BOTH parents. In the 2013-2014 school year there were no CYP students who dropped out of school! Two high school seniors had a delayed graduation to complete a course and two were repeating their senior year. Interestingly, one has a mental health condition and the other cares for a parent with mental illness. Of 34 graduates in the 2013-2014 school year, 24 (70.6%) are immediately going on to post-secondary education and one student has enlisted in the military.
There were seven deaths among family members of CYP students. The program’s bereavement services continue to be of great value in helping students transition to traditional child bereavement programs.
Students reported, “Now I know I am not alone.” From these dual role student-caregivers, the improvements most frequently reported were improved grades, confidence, less stress, better time management, staying connected with new CYP friends, and taking more time for themselves. Unanimously, students wanted other caregivers in more schools to be helped as they have been helped.
In the 2013-2014 school year, a caregiving youth from Palm Springs Community Middle School was named “Person of the Week” by Diane Sawyer and another student participated in a radio program. Other interviews of students appeared in the new “Content Capsule” on the AACY website.
The Caregiving Youth Institute was launched in the 2013-2014 school year with the help of the new Director of Education Services, Dr. Ann Faraone. One of its initiatives has included presentations to students and faculty at Palm Beach Atlantic and Lynn Universities as well as at Palm Beach State College. Future teachers are wanted to understand the barriers to learning that students bring with them to the classroom.