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Resources & FAQs
Topic
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What is a teen caregiver?
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Will this affect school records?
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Can hours be used for graduation?
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Is this military-only?
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What if a teen stops caregiving?
Resource links:
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Mental health support
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Military family resources
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School support tools
FAQs
1 / What is a Teen Caregiver?
A teen caregiver is a young person who regularly provides support to a family member or loved one. This care may be emotional, physical, medical, or practical in nature.
Caregiving can include helping a parent manage daily tasks, supporting a sibling with special needs, assisting a grandparent, or contributing significantly to household responsibilities during illness, injury, or deployment.
Many teens do not realize they are caregivers, they are simply helping their families. TCCSH exists to recognize that care as meaningful service and leadership.
2 Will this affect school records?
No. Participation in TCCSH does not alter a student’s academic record, disciplinary file, or permanent school record.
TCCSH is a voluntary recognition program, not a diagnostic, evaluative, or disciplinary process. Schools may choose to acknowledge verified hours as community service, but participation does not result in any negative academic designation.
Student privacy and dignity are central to this program.
3 / Can hours be used for graduation or service requirements?
In many cases, yes, with school approval.
TCCSH provides verified documentation of caregiving service hours that schools may choose to accept toward community service, service-learning, or graduation requirements, depending on local or district policies.
MCWEF provides schools with:
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Verification forms
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Service hour summaries
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Recognition letters
Final acceptance of hours rests with the school or district. In some cases.
4 / Is this military-only?
No.
While TCCSH was developed with military-connected youth in mind, the program is open to all teen caregivers, including civilian teens.
Military-connected teens may receive additional recognition or invitations through MCWEF programming, but caregiving is honored regardless of family background.
Care is care, and it deserves recognition.
5/ What if a teen stops caregiving?
That’s okay.
Caregiving roles often change due to recovery, family transitions, or other circumstances. Teens may receive recognition and service credit for caregiving performed during the period they were providing care.
Stopping caregiving does not affect previously recognized hours or participation. TCCSH is designed to honor contribution,
Teens are never penalized for changes in family circumstances.