Speech therapists have 'key role to play in reducing youth offending'
Thursday 16th June 2011
Health workers in speech therapy jobs have a key role to play in helping children to achieve their potential in later life, but could also help to keep them out of trouble.
Adolescents who grow up with speech problems are significantly more likely to be involved in crime, according to preliminary findings drawn from an audit of young offenders in Jersey, by the Crown Dependencies' speech and language therapy service.
Lead researcher Dr Lisa Perkins notes that there is a "growing body of international research on the speech, language and communication needs of young offenders".
She believes that early intervention is key to promoting good communication, language and listening skills among children, which in turn could help to reduce their likelihood of getting into trouble with the law.
Commenting on recent findings by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Dr Perkins noted that the work "demonstrates that young offenders are at high risk of undetected but clinically significant oral language difficulties".
Figures from the children's communication charity I Can underline the need for workers in speech therapy jobs to be given the opportunity to work with children from a younger age.
An estimated one million children and young people have long term and persistent speech, language and communication needs in the UK.
"However, research shows that a significant number of students are identified with difficulties for the first time during secondary school," explained Dr Victoria Joffe, speech and language expert at City University London.
I Can head of quality and outcomes Mary Hartshorne added that there is a "persistent gap" in services for young people with communication difficulties. Many families face a postcode lottery when it comes to accessing services and the effect of this trend on employment prospects for young Brits is particularly worrying.
"However, there is an increasing evidence base for interventions which can help these young people to achieve their potential," she added.
Posted by Alex Franklin Stortford
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