The Guardian reported this week on recent developments around supporting young offenders with communication difficulties. You can read their article: “Speech therapy: When sorry seems to be the hardest word” here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/07/speech-therapy-sorry-seems-to-be-hardest-word?newsfeed=true
In the last few years, speech and language therapy has gradually become better known in the public eye following parliamentary reviews, national campaigns, ‘The King’s Speech’ film and many other efforts to publicise its benefits. The cost-effectiveness of speech and language therapy has been a particularly strong point of emphasis, especially with the knowledge that a little input with a young child can prevent much more significant language, educational, social and emotional problems further down the line.
One such area of focus has been on Young Offenders with communication difficulties. In June last year we reported on the emergence and importance of speech and language therapists working in this field: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/news/item/2/127/s-l—youth-offending/ in conjunction with ‘Sentence Trouble from The Communication Trust: http://www.sentencetrouble.info/
The Guardian discusses ‘Ryan Griffiths’, who is currently receiving speech and language input. He has been told that as part of his sentence he must ‘make reparations’ – but needs support to understand what this means. The therapist also works with him using a simple ladder diagram to help him understand how the choices he makes affect which way direction is moving – ‘up’ towards the police and a life of crime, or staying ‘down’ where he is happy with his foster family and dog. Although the therapist may not have much scope or need to work on impairment-based therapy, they can help the young offender’s transition through the justice system much more manageable, safe and understandable. Equally importantly, the therapist will work with staff and other agencies to ensure that the individual is being fully supported to understand the complexities of the judicial system.
If you think that a child, friend or relative may benefit from speech and language therapy, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here:　https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Sarah Bennington, February 2012
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
