ORCID
- Alyson Norman: 0000-0002-4332-6049
- Helen Lloyd: 0000-0002-2916-1874
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This qualitative study examines strengths and strains faced by professionals working with young carers throughout the United Kingdom (UK) in the context of society’s youngest carers; young carers in early childhood (YCEC) (0–8 years). Methods: The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) was utilised to map key findings of three focus groups. This conceptual lens offers a narrative-based understanding of ways in which power operates in society. Increasingly applied to explore experiences of individuals, communities, and groups, the PTMF proposes that concepts of distress are founded in broader contexts of injustice and social inequalities. Twenty-four participants were recruited from throughout the UK via the Carers Trust Young Carers Alliance. Results: Findings highlight the strength of legal, ideological, and economic power shaping societal beliefs and policy concerning YCEC. This informs constructs of perceived social norms regarding who young carers are most likely to be, and where they may be found. This power threatens the health and well-being of YCEC, impacting the ability of professionals to provide optimal support. Inappropriate policy formed from these assumptions disempowers those providing services to young carers at the frontline of service delivery. Professionals and adults with living experience of caring in their early childhoods reflect upon silent tensions that exist within society, suggesting that YCEC remain the ‘elephant in the room’. Conclusions: We make recommendations to review the efficacy of statutory mandates concerning the needs assessment of young carers in England, and to align policy concerning early childhood and young carers to embed young carers’ rights consistently, starting in early childhood.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-01-14
Publication Title
Healthcare (Switzerland)
Volume
14
Issue
2
Acceptance Date
2026-01-13
Deposit Date
2026-02-12
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Additional Links
Keywords
early childhood, infant mental health, mental health, safeguarding, well-being, whole family support, young carers
Recommended Citation
Ellicott, C., Bidaran, A., Dewsbery, F., Norman, A., & Lloyd, H. (2026) 'Supporting Young Carers in Early Childhood: Mapping Power, Threat, Meaning, and Strengths: A PTMF-Informed Qualitative Study', Healthcare (Switzerland), 14(2). Available at: 10.3390/healthcare14020213
