The Sacrificed Children: Listening to the Voices of Former Young Carers Supporting Parents with Mental Illness.

This article focuses on the experiences of young carers in Taiwan who provided care for parents with mental illness during their childhood. Through qualitative interviews with nineteen adults reflecting on their childhood caregiving roles, the study found that these young carers’ sense of responsibility was deeply rooted in the cultural value of filial piety, leading them to prioritize their ill parents’ needs often at the expense of their own well-being and social development. Participants described undertaking diverse caregiving tasks, managing family crises, and anticipating long-term care responsibilities, frequently in isolation due to stigma and limited social support. The study highlights the need for early identification, family-centered interventions, and supportive social services that recognize young carers as children with distinct needs, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches to address their challenges and promote their rights.