Speech-language pathology intervention in a youth justice setting: Benefits perceived by staff extend beyond communication

Abstract

Purpose: Young people in youth justice (YJ) settings face high-risk for unidentified language disorder, however, speech-language pathology (SLP) services are not routinely offered in such settings. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of YJ staff in a custodial centre of the utility of having a speech-language pathologist working with young offenders.

Method: Following a SLP intervention trial, two staff focus groups were conducted by an independent SLP. Interview probes were developed through review of the literature and consultation with the practitioner who conducted the clinical intervention. Focus groups were digitally recorded for thematic analysis, which was carried out by the three authors independently.

Result: YJ staff expressed consistently positive views about the SLP intervention trial in their centre. Staff indicated that they learnt a great deal about the complexity of communication difficulties in this population, and that this information informed and guided their own practices. They expressed surprise at the engagement of young people in the SLP service, and supported its embedding in the YJ setting.

Conclusion: YJ staff endorsed the value of a SLP service in a custodial setting. Further research should focus on refining measurement of this service and its impact.

Keywords:

• youth justice
• language
• SLP service delivery

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Ms. Mary Woodward, who provided the clinical services discussed in this paper. Our thanks are also extended to NSW Juvenile Justice staff who participated in the focus groups. This study was funded by the NSW Department of the Attorney General. Emina McLean is thanked for her assistance with manuscript preparation.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

This study was funded by the NSW Department of the Attorney General.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the NSW Department of the Attorney General.