Education and communication
Education, Training and Employment (ETE) are key positive factors that support desistance. ETE provides access to a range of opportunities for children to help their progress and development. It is essential that youth justice partners work together with all educational establishments.
There is evidence to show that Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) has an impact on the ability of children to effectively communicate their views and feelings. Children with SLCN can give a negative perception of themselves to the agencies that are responsible for their support, sentences and interventions. It is therefore essential for those agencies working with children to have a clear awareness and process to understand and support children’s communication needs.
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) may face difficulties engaging or progressing in school which make it difficult for them to progress academically. Although the research around school exclusion and offending is not well evidenced, there is an emerging body of evidence that suggests that children that are out of education are at increased risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
This section provides information on support, resources and policies relating to education, including Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).