Speech therapists fear lack of offender support

21 February 2011 1 min read Janaki Mahadevan Health Youth Justice Youth custody

Community healthcare trusts are being urged not to drop speech and language therapist services for young offenders after the first young offender institution (YOI) to introduce the provision has scrapped its only full-time post.

The speech and language therapist position at HMP Hindley is to be abolished from 31 March. It was the first YOI in England and Wales to employ a full-time therapist after evidence revealed that more than two-thirds of young offenders suffer difficulties with speech, language and communication.

Now experts are warning that further cuts to provision in the youth secure estate could obstruct efforts to reduce reoffending rates.

Kamini Gadhok, chief executive of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, said: "News of cuts being made to speech and language therapy services in YOIs is a deeply disturbing and regressive policy. Communication is an essential skill that is vital for the rehabilitation of offenders.

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