Speech therapy can prevent reoffending

NEW university research has highlighted the need for a greater investment in speech and language therapy within Scotland’s criminal justice system to help prevent reoffending.

The recent study, conducted by Queen Margaret University and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), identified a “huge unmet need”, with few offenders receiving adequate help to improve their communication skills – skills which could “better equip individuals to live more successfully and prevent a return to criminal activity”.

It was the most comprehensive study of speech and language therapy within Scotland’s criminal justice system.

Around 60 per cent of young people in contact with youth justice services have speech, language and communication needs.

The aim of the study was to support the campaign to improve speech, language and communication services within the Scottish justice system. It also helped to identify the type and scale of the current service provision within the system and where service improvements could be made.