MISSION
To bring awareness to the hidden"
population" of youth caregivers and provide youth them with support services that will have a positive impact on
their academic, social, physical,
psychological and spiritual well-being.
VISION
To empower the youth caregivers with the tools, resources, and support to successfully balance life as an adolescent, student & caregiver.
VALUES
YCI Learn!
YCI Have Fun !
YCI Give Back !
Youth Caregiver Facts and Stats
Did you know?
Nationwide, there are approximately 5.4 million child caregivers who are under the age of 18.
7 in 10 child caregivers are caring for a parent or grandparent (72%).
The most common care recipient conditions are Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (18%); disease of the heart, lung, or kidneys (16%); arthritis (14%); and diabetes 14%).
The Silent Epidemic study found that 22% of high school dropouts leave school to care for a family member.
About
There are an estimated 5.4 million children under the age of 18 providing care to parents, grandparents, or siblings with chronic medical conditions or functional decline, up from about 1.3 million nearly 20 years ago, according to two reports from the National Alliance for Caregiving and others. These youth suffer from a systemic lack of support from their schools and communities, which can directly affect their ability to succeed. In 2006, the Gates Foundation issued a report, The Silent Epidemic, which showed that 22% of high school dropouts leave school to care for family members. After multiple encounters with youth caregivers, the Board of Directors of Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment (COME) decided to expand beyond its dynamic work with adult family caregivers and establish the Youth Caregivers Initiative (YCI).
In 2015, COME collected data from 454 grades 6 to 11 in School District 11 in the Bronx. Of the 454 students, 43% indicated they were youth caregivers. These students assisted a sick, disabled sibling, adult, or older person in or outside of their home. In addition to indicating that they were youth caregivers, these youth also noted that:
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They felt isolated, ashamed, embarrassed about their role, and afraid to share their caregiving status with their teacher, guidance counselor, school nurse, etc.
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The role of youth caring had a detrimental impact on their schoolwork, social activities, and stress level.
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They were not aware of how to express their needs and concerns.
COME recognized a need for a multifaceted approach to bringing the youth caregivers out of the shadows and into the light to finally receive the support they needed; with the inception of a Youth Caregivers Initiative (YCI), SHARKS Program (Students Helping and Assisting Relative with Knowledge and Skills) The program solely recognizes and supports youth from ages 12 to 22 years of age caring for an ill, disabled, sibling, adult, or elderly family member. The program offers educational and emotional support sessions, respite, community outreach opportunities, and scholarships to college.
In March of 2024, Senator Jamaal Bailey introduced Bill S965, an act authorizing and directing the commissioner of education to conduct a study on the number of children who are caregivers and how being a caregiver impacts their education. The bill was passed and is going through the legislative process. Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn sponsored the bill.
Testimonials
“1) What I really enjoy the most about the sharks program is that it makes me feel like the care that I give is appreciated
2) I enjoy that we have a talk session with everyone about what we do because I don't feel so alone
3) I like that we have trips because it makes me realize how much I have in common with the other
caregivers
4) I enjoy that we all spend time with each other realizing we are there for each other with our needs.”
Viany P.
SHARKS youth
“Ms. Cooper the CEO of the SHARKS Program has provided a service that is truly needed in support of children taking on the role of caregivers and trying to keep up with their schoolwork and social activities. The children look forward to the monthly support group services and monthly trips. I believe the services that the SHARKS Program offers would be of value to all students in the educational system.”
Brandon Muccino,
Principal of PS 83 The Donald Hertz School
