Jovens Cuidadores Portugal: (Re)Conhecer & Apoiar Jovens Cuidadores (JC)- Estudo da prevalência e impacto de ser JC e Desenvolvimento de um Sistema de Suporte Online para JC em Portugal

This operation aims to address the existing gap in understanding and supporting YC in PT, with a focus on the developmental and adjustment outcomes of the caregiving experience and the overcome of the lack of effective responses to YC needs. The study seeks to answer the following questions: i) What is the prevalence and the main sociodemographic characteristics of YC in PT?, ii) How does the caregiving experience impact their development and socioemotional adjustment, as well as their families’ functioning?, iii) What meanings do YC and their families construct regarding the experience of caring?, iv) How can appropriate support be provided to YC in PT?. To respond to these questions, the study aims: i) to identify and characterize YC in PT; ii) to explore the narratives of YC and their families regarding their experiences of caregiving; iii) to assess the effects of the caregiving experience on the development and socioemotional adjustment of YC, and on their families’ functioning; iv) to design, implement, and validate an appropriate e-support system to the needs of YC within the Portuguese context; v) to reinforce and amplify social responses that can help them feel more supported. Overall, increasing awareness of a positive representation of the caregiving role can combat stigma and discrimination of YC, promoting their inclusion. Moreover, recognizing YC's reality enables appropriate support, fostering their positive development and mitigating caregiving's adverse effects across physical, cognitive, emotional, vocational, and social dimensions. However, supporting YC involves more than addressing vulnerabilities; it's about viewing caregiving as a path for personal growth across lifespan and relationships. This includes fostering healthy, mutually rewarding, caregiving dynamics within families and beyond, across different contexts and developmental stages. Moreover, this project aims to develop and test a support system for YC where they can learn about their own and their cared relatives’ needs, whereas health literacy is ensured, and information and resources are available, along with a space for sharing experiences and challenges YC face and for monitoring and improving their skills, wellbeing and selfcare. Developing an e-support system for YC may improve their self-awareness, literacy, skills, empowerment, and advocacy, along with their acknowledgement, empowerment and visibility within their families, social institutions, communities, and policies. This operation also aims to ensure intervention resources across various axes (i.e., promotional, preventive, and remediation) and dimensions (i.e., clinical, educational, social), facilitating responses to YC and serving as a catalyst to strengthen the social support network for these vulnerable young people and their families.