Interventions > Health

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
Bradford YOT has become increasingly aware of the range of issues affecting young offenders and their behaviour. The YOT has supported research into the learning barriers that may impact on the young people including supporting a study into the prevalence of Dyslexia.

Click here to order a copy (from Shani White) of the DVD Bradford YOT has produced.

The SLT project (which ran from April to October 2008) was in response to the increasing awareness that speech and language difficulties may have been a hidden barrier to improving outcomes for all young people.

The project supported a Speech and Language Therapist seconded into the Bradford YOT (two days a week for six months) to undertake a sample of assessments of young offenders on the YOT caseload.

Research suggests that 60-90% of offenders have communication difficulties. Often these difficulties are previously unidentified and hence, not addressed within the generally verbally mediated offence focused work within Youth Offending Teams. This may result in lack of comprehension, internalisation and minimal change in behaviour resulting in recidivism. In recent months, the interim report of the Bercow Review has highlighted the importance of SLT within the youth justice arena.

NEW - The Communication Trust is pleased to announce the launch of the Sentence Trouble website, www.sentencetrouble.info. The website has been created to support the Sentence Trouble booklet launched in November 2009 which helps improve understanding and communication with children and young people, particularly those with communication needs. The website provides additional resources and support for staff working in the youth justice system.

See the summary newsletter on Speech and Language Therapy here

See the full Speech and Language Therapy report here

See the Communication Screening Tool and Guidance Notes here