Inclusion of young carers as next of kin across Europe

A new study on the participation of young carers and children as next of kin has been published in BMC Pediatrics. Entitled “Inclusion of young carers and children as next of kin in participation mechanisms across Europe”, the publication examines existing evidence on how young carers and children as next of kin are involved in participation and decision-making at EU level and in Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia and Sweden.

The study finds that, while frameworks and mechanisms for child participation exist across Europe, their implementation remains inconsistent. Young carers and children as next of kin are still largely invisible as a specific group of vulnerable children, and opportunities for meaningful participation often depend on local resources and political commitment.

The findings also highlight some of the conditions that can make participation more meaningful and accessible. These include the involvement of trusted, empathetic and knowledgeable adults and offering young people different ways to participate, adapted to their needs and preferences.

The study was carried out as part of the EU-funded OUR VOICES project, coordinated by Eurocarers. The project aims to strengthen the visibility and active involvement of young carers in policymaking and to develop evidence-based approaches and mechanisms that enable them to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

The article was published on 7 August 2026 and is open access.

Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-026-07463-5?utm_source=chatgpt.com