Young Carers Assessments

In April 2015, new legislation came into force giving young carers the right to an assessment of need. Young carers from SYC helped develop the local assessment.

An assessment is a way for a young carer to get help to make their life and their caring easier. Young carers from SYC helped develop the local assessment.

From 20 November 2025, all Young Carers Needs Assessments in Sheffield will be carried out by the new Young Carers Needs Assessment Team (YCAT) within Sheffield City Council. (This was previously a multi-agency assessment that any practitioner could complete).

This change is designed to ensure that every young carer receives the right support and advice in line with statutory guidance. By centralising the process, the council aim to provide consistent, high-quality support for young carers and their families across Sheffield. This approach supports the principle of a whole-family assessment, helping to identify needs early and prevent inappropriate levels of caring responsibilities for children. 

Once the Young Carers Assessment Team have completed their assessment, they will then refer them on to support services to help them and their families. This might include a referral to us and/or to other services that can best meet their needs.

Find out how to apply for a Young Carers Needs Assessment here.

If you have any questions about the Young Carers Needs Assessment process, please contact the Young Carers Assessment Team: YoungCarersAssessmentTeam@sheffield.gov.uk