Language experts launch free training programme for justice professionals

A free online training programme has been launched to help criminal justice professionals recognise and support young people and adults with speech, language and communication needs.

The Box elearning package, the first of its kind in the UK, has been developed by The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok MBE said: “Our members frequently tell us that people they work with often haven’t had their communication needs recognised or supported.

“Many will have struggled throughout their lives from not understanding what’s being said to them or being able to express themselves. They may have found school-life and social situations difficult, becoming isolated and vulnerable and making poor life choices.

“It’s, therefore, imperative that people working with them are adequately trained to be able to communicate with them effectively.”

The RCSLT highlighted research which shows that between two thirds and 90 per cent of young offenders have low language skills, with nearly half of these being in the poor or very poor range.

The Box elearning course is designed for a wide variety of criminal justice professionals, including those working in youth offending teams, probation officers, prison staff, the police and those working in the courts system such as judges, barristers, and solicitors.