Speech and Language Therapist Jan Green and The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) have produced this module to support development of approaches to supporting children and young people in conflict with the law who have Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). SLCN’s are commonly experienced by children in this population, and may be overlooked or misunderstood, leading to further disadvantage or isolation.

In this module, learners will deepen their understanding of SLCN and the relevance for work with children and young people in conflict with the law, and will develop practical approaches to improving practice in this area. This instance of learning is ideal for everyone who has a role working with children who are, or who are at risk of being, in conflict with the law. By the end of this course you will be be able to:

• Explore what Speech, Language and Communication Needs are and why they are an important consideration for children in conflict with the law.
• Develop an understanding of communication development.
• Gain insights into how the early life experiences shape communication.
• Recognise and respond to individual communication.
• Deepen your understanding of neurodivergence and specific communication presentations.
• Enhance your ability to recognise and record individual communication needs.
• Explore ways of identifying and responding to Speech, Language and Communication Needs.
• Access practical approaches to developing communication inclusive practice.
• Explore and understand how communication has relevance to upholding the rights of children.
• Develop skills to support practice which is communication inclusive.

This fully online course can be undertaken at the flexible pace of the learner when suitable, taking approximately 4 hours. This e-learning is suitable for those who respond to the needs of children currently in, or on the cusp of being involved in conflict with the law.

Contact Joanne Lee or Marianiki Vlachou at cycj@strath.ac.uk for further information regarding this course.