Speech-language pathologists’ perspectives of communication strategies for young people in the New Zealand youth justice system

Abstract

Purpose: Working in the justice system is a new and emerging area for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in New Zealand, both in practice and research. This study explored SLPs’ perspectives on: (1) the importance of implementing communication strategies in the New Zealand youth justice system, and (2) the effectiveness and relevance of the strategies employed.

Method: A qualitative Phenomenology of Practice research approach was used. Five SLPs working as communication assistants in the New Zealand youth justice system were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via video conference; these were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed through an inductive coding process.

Result: SLPs’ perspectives on the importance of implementing strategies revealed two global themes: Complexities within Communication and Giving Young People a Voice. SLPs’ perspectives on the effectiveness and relevance of the strategies used resulted in one global theme: SLP Role Goes Beyond Implementing Communication Strategies Alone.

Conclusion: SLPs identified the need for their presence in the justice system due to the complexity of the environment. Participants perceived the current communication strategies were effective in equipping other professionals with skills to communicate with young people who offend. Recommended improvements to further assist young people’s understanding were suggested.

Keywords:

• communication strategies
• speech-language pathologist
• young people
• justice system
• New Zealand

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declaration of interest.

Supplemental material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2022.2037708.