Abstract

Care between generations represents the main family task: when it becomes predominantly an obligation that does not take into account the needs of the different family members, personal and family resources are challenged, risking to generate dynamics of dependence, isolation and social exclusion. This is the case of young carers (YCs): children and young persons under 18 years who provide care, assistance or support to another family member. They carry out significant or substantial caring tasks, often on a regular basis, and assume a level of responsibility that would usually be associated with an adult. Studies on the transition to adulthood of Young Carers are still limited in Italy both with respect to the living conditions and opportunities of young caregivers and with respect to possible interventions and supports. A relevant issue is related to the consequences on the life paths of young caregivers both in terms of educational and employment outcomes and in general development opportunities, as these people are at risk of educational poverty. This contribution presents a qualitative and exploratory preliminary study aimed at understanding in depth the transition to adulthood and relational dynamics of a sample of 14 young caregivers in Italy, through online semi-structured interviews.