Young people with speech, language and communication needs
Young people with speech, language and communication needs
Inquiry5
Previous research
suggests that young people who have offended are more likely than their peers
to have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Having SLCN means that
a young person can find it more difficult to express themselves and to
understand others. Research in this area is difficult but is key to inform
commissioning and policy decisions.
As part of a series
of short, one-day inquiries looking at experiences in the criminal justice
system, the Equality and Social
Justice Committee explored the extent of speech, language and communication
needs amongst young people who have offended, or are at risk of offending in
Wales.
Terms of reference
The terms of
reference for the inquiry were to:
- Add to the
evidence base on the prevalence and impact of speech, language and
communication needs among young people involved in the youth justice
system in Wales.
- Consider the
effectiveness of existing policies and interventions to support young
people in the youth justice system with communication difficulties,
including how young people are identified and assessed for speech,
language and communication needs.
- Help further
understanding of what other interventions are needed to support young
people in the youth justice system with their communication and language
skills.
- Increase
awareness of the prevalence and nature of young people’s communication
needs amongst professionals and policy makers including, Welsh Government,
Health Boards, youth justice practitioners, police officers, magistrates
and teachers.
Evidence gathering
The Committee has finished taking evidence.
More information can be found under the meetings tab at the top of the
page.
Reporting
The Committee laid its report “60% - Giving them a
voice” (PDF 545KB) on Wednesday 19 April 2023.
Following publication, Chair of the
Committee, Jenny Rathbone MS, stated:
“This over-representation of young people
with communication challenges getting dragged into the criminal justice system
is deeply worrying.
Compare this 60% with just 10 per cent of
young people in the general population
and it is obvious we have a serious issue to be tackled. This report is
aimed squarely at giving a voice to these young people.”
Welsh Government Response
The Committee received a response from the Welsh Government on 7 June 2023.
A debate was held in Plenary on 28 June 2023.
Business type: Committee Inquiry
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
First published: 05/04/2022