Get involved! Young offenders and reparation: language abilities, rates of recidivism and severity of crime

Summary:

This study aims to provide YOT managers with a detailed consideration of the language abilities of the young people entering their service and will include IQ measures. This will provide information for policy makers when planning rehabilitative strategies, and, educational support for young offenders. This is important for both victims and offenders, as their language difficulties can often be perceived as non-compliance and rudeness.

Description

This study examines the impact of YJ programmes, by considering rates of recidivism in relation to an offender characteristic, thus far, neglected in the criminology literature, language ability. Such efforts will move beyond the question of whether programmes reduce recidivism but help address questions relating to divergent effectiveness. In particular, acknowledging the inherent offender skills required, and, circumstances under which programmes can be most effective.  

The work aims to advance knowledge by moving beyond characterising the language competence of the population but further address its effect with regards to reoffending and severity of crime. It is possible the linguistic element, of some of the practices currently used in the YJS, would benefit from modifications to allow the young person to access rehabilitation, and, optimise their educational outcomes in youth justice settings. Examining associations with callous and unemotional traits, alexithymia and language impairment also has much to offer youth justice services and will allow for the translation of such insights into treatment and intervention.  

Study aims

  • To determine the nature and extent of oral language impairment in a sample of young offenders referred to Youth Offending Teams and Triage Teams.
  • To ascertain the role of offenders’ oral language abilities in patterns of re-offending.
  • To investigate the role of offenders’ oral language abilities and offending severity.
  • To examine the associations among language abilities, callous and unemotional traits, alexithymia and offending.

Contact details

If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information about the study please contact:

Name:Maxine Winstanley
Email:maxine.winstanley@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk