Raising awareness of SLCN within the criminal justice system at the Senedd

Speech and Language Therapists working in justice settings across Wales will be on hand during the #VoiceForJustice event to talk to MSs about the prevalence of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) amongst young people within the criminal justice system and the importance of their role.

The event follows on from the recent Senedd Equality and Social Justice inquiry on SLCN amongst young people who have offended or at risk of offending.  The RCSLT is calling for speech and language therapists to be embedded within every YJS across Wales, to help children and young people understand their situation, effectively engage with services, and avoid behavioural issues which could lead to reoffending.

We are also highlighting the need for all services involved with children and young people who are at risk of offending to understand and support children’s speech, language and communication needs. This includes schools, pupil referral units, services for care experienced young people and youth services.

Head of the RCSLT Wales Office, Pippa Cotterill, said: “We’re seeking to speak to MSs from across Wales on behalf of those who all too often have no voice. True justice requires that we all have a chance to be heard. Despite decades of research and successful pilot programmes, not all Wales’ Youth Justice Teams are making vital speech, language and communications support available to young people.

“Unidentified speech, language and communication needs can have a huge impact on the lives of young people, increasing the risk of social exclusion and involvement with the youth justice system. We want a real focus on recognising need and supporting young people to communicate with others and access appropriate services. On behalf of those who need these services, I thank all the MSs who will come to speak with us today. I hope that many more will recognise the changes that must be made to ensure no young person is left without this critical support in this complex system.”

 

You can find out more about the event by following @RCSLTWales #VoiceForJustice

 

Codi ymwybyddiaeth yn y Senedd am Anghenion Lleferydd, Iaith a Chyfathrebu o fewn y system cyfiawnder troseddol

 

Cynhaliodd RCSLT Cymru ddigwyddiad galw heibio #LlaisDrosGyfiawnder ar gyfer Aelodau o Senedd Cymru ar 15 Chwefror.

Yn y digwyddiad #LlaisDrosGyfiawnder, bydd therapyddion lleferydd ac iaith sy’n gweithio mewn safleoedd cyfiawnder Cymru yn bresennol i siarad gydag Aelodau o’r Senedd am fynychder anghenion lleferydd, iaith a chyfathrebu ymysg pobl ifanc o fewn y system cyfiawnder troseddol a phwysigrwydd eu rôl.

Mae’r digwyddiad yn dilyn ymchwiliad Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb a Chyfiawnder Cymdeithasol y Senedd ar anghenion lleferydd, iaith a chyfathrebu ymysg pobl ifanc sydd wedi troseddu neu sydd mewn risg o droseddu.  Mae’r RCSLT yn galw am sefydlu therapyddion lleferydd ac iaith o fewn pob system cyfiawnder ieuenctid ledled Cymru i helpu plant a phobl ifanc i ddeall eu sefyllfa, cysylltu’n effeithiol gyda gwasanaethau ac osgoi problemau ymddygiad a allai arwain at aildroseddu.

Byddwn hefyd yn rhoi sylw i’r angen i bob gwasanaeth sy’n ymwneud gyda phlant a phobl ifanc sydd mewn risg o droseddu i ddeall a chefnogi anghenion lleferydd, iaith a chyfathrebu plant. Mae hyn yn cynnwys ysgolion, unedau cyfeirio disgyblion, gwasanaethau ar gyfer pobl ifanc sydd â phrofiad o ofal a gwasanaethau ieuenctid.

Dywedodd Pippa Cotterill, Pennaeth Swyddfa RCSLT Cymru: “Hoffem siarad gydag Aelodau o’r Senedd o bob rhan o Gymru ar ran y rhai sydd yn rhy aml o lawer heb unrhyw lais. Mae gwir gyfiawnder yn golygu fod angen i ni gael cyfle i gael ein clywed. Er degawdau o ymchwil a rhaglenni peilot llwyddiannus, nid yw holl Dimau Cyfiawnder Ieuenctid Cymru yn darparu cefnogaeth hanfodol gyda lleferydd, iaith a chyfathrebu ar gyfer pobl ifanc.

“Gall anghenion lleferydd, iaith a chyfathrebu na chafodd eu hadnabod gael effaith enfawr ar fywydau pobl ifanc, gan gynyddu risg allgau cymdeithasol a chysylltiad gyda’r system cyfiawnder ieuenctid. Rydym angen ffocws go iawn ar adnabod angen a chefnogi pobl ifanc i gyfathrebu gydag eraill a chael mynediad i wasanaethau priodol. Ar ran y rhai sydd angen y gwasanaethau hyn, hoffwn ddiolch i holl Aelodau o’r Senedd a ddaw i siarad gyda ni heddiw. Gobeithiaf y bydd llawer mwy yn cydnabod y newidiadau sy’n rhaid eu gwneud i sicrhau na chaiff unrhyw berson ifanc ei adael heb y gefnogaeth hollbwysig yma yn y system gymhleth hon.”

 

Gallwch ganfod mwy am y digwyddiad drwy ddilyn @RCSLTWales #LlaisDrosGyfiawnder