Young caregivers ‘exist in the shadows,’ offer crucial help

Melinda Kavanaugh, center, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee social work professor, lets out a laugh while talking with Ronan Kotiya, 11, and his brother Keaton Kotiya, 9, during a workshop for young caregivers of ALS family members in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, April 9, 2022. Kavanaugh thinks as many as 10 million children are involved in caregiving in the U.S. and says youth caregiving will grow as the U.S. population ages and chronic health problems like diabetes become more common. She and other researchers say young caregivers provide crucial help to their families, and they need more support. (AP Photo/LM Otero)