The Royal Collage of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) estimates that there are around 2.5 million people in the UK who have speech, language and communication needs and only around 14,000 practicing Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). The disparity between these numbers outlines a clear shortage of qualified SLTs. While some may argue that SLTs should centre their aid around hospitals, schools and health centres, they serve a vital role in the Criminal Justice System (CJS), both in terms of morality and economics. Though there may be questions surrounding the ethicality of focusing time and attention upon criminals instead of children or vulnerable adults, an SLT working within the CJS helps to uphold basic Human Rights and helps to
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v. The United Kingdom (2004) which argues that the accused, an 11-year-old boy with learning disabilities, was to able to participate effectively in his trial due to his lack of comprehension, leading to a violation of his rights. The report explains how the accused was not aware of the formalities of court and would often question what was happening. The social worker who accompanied the defendant suggested that this my have antagonised the jury, who could potentially have construed it as purposeful misbehaviour, creating a bias that may have influenced their …show more content…
Many of these offenders are marginalised by their deficit in language and communication skills, which can create barriers in terms of social interaction and workforce participation (Snow and Powell, 2011). Consequently, this can lead to anti-social behaviour and as a result attempts at rehabilitation are hindered, potentially incurring more costs as it has been established that rehabilitation schemes are able to reduce the number of re-offenders (Harding,2014). One study of an Irish prison demonstrated that programs within the rehabilitation system had helped them to undergo a personal transformation and realise the importance of their education. As such it is vital that SLTs work within the prison system to ensure that offenders with SLCN are still able to participate in such programs so that they may, upon their release, have greater accessibility to skills that will enable them to become effectively reintegrated to
v. The United Kingdom (2004) which argues that the accused, an 11-year-old boy with learning disabilities, was to able to participate effectively in his trial due to his lack of comprehension, leading to a violation of his rights. The report explains how the accused was not aware of the formalities of court and would often question what was happening. The social worker who accompanied the defendant suggested that this my have antagonised the jury, who could potentially have construed it as purposeful misbehaviour, creating a bias that may have influenced their …show more content…
Many of these offenders are marginalised by their deficit in language and communication skills, which can create barriers in terms of social interaction and workforce participation (Snow and Powell, 2011). Consequently, this can lead to anti-social behaviour and as a result attempts at rehabilitation are hindered, potentially incurring more costs as it has been established that rehabilitation schemes are able to reduce the number of re-offenders (Harding,2014). One study of an Irish prison demonstrated that programs within the rehabilitation system had helped them to undergo a personal transformation and realise the importance of their education. As such it is vital that SLTs work within the prison system to ensure that offenders with SLCN are still able to participate in such programs so that they may, upon their release, have greater accessibility to skills that will enable them to become effectively reintegrated to