Abstract
Introduction:
International research evidence has firmly established a high prevalence of language disorder in young offender populations. Less is known about the perspectives of young offenders themselves on their language abilities and how they communicate within justice, educational and welfare settings with the variety of professionals they encounter and their perceptions of their interactions with peers in the prison setting.
Method:
Ten young men with recent experience of removal from association (“segregation”) while in custody at Polmont HMYOI were recruited. The study investigated participants’ perceptions of their own language and communication abilities, their interactions with peers in the prison setting, and experiences with welfare and justice system professionals. In addition, prevalence of language disorder in the sample (n=9) was established through formal language assessment (CELF-4 UK).
Results:
Standardised assessment results indicate presence of language disorder in 44% (n=4) of the sample. Results for informal justice vocabulary assessment showed an unexpectedly high mean score of 74%. Possible reasons for this result are discussed. Thematic analysis of interview data led to formulation of three main themes. These were categorised as Valuing Communication, Learning and Literacy, Exerting Control and Seeking Support. Themes are discussed with reference to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory.
Conclusion:
Young male offenders offered reflective and rich views on their lived experience when given the opportunity. This study contributes to an emerging evidence base by describing participant perspectives on the antecedents of communication breakdown in the prison setting, their perceptions of features of successful interaction with peers and authority figures, and a need for support in all justice environments, particularly in the court setting. Implications for practice and development of future research are discussed.
International research evidence has firmly established a high prevalence of language disorder in young offender populations. Less is known about the perspectives of young offenders themselves on their language abilities and how they communicate within justice, educational and welfare settings with the variety of professionals they encounter and their perceptions of their interactions with peers in the prison setting.
Method:
Ten young men with recent experience of removal from association (“segregation”) while in custody at Polmont HMYOI were recruited. The study investigated participants’ perceptions of their own language and communication abilities, their interactions with peers in the prison setting, and experiences with welfare and justice system professionals. In addition, prevalence of language disorder in the sample (n=9) was established through formal language assessment (CELF-4 UK).
Results:
Standardised assessment results indicate presence of language disorder in 44% (n=4) of the sample. Results for informal justice vocabulary assessment showed an unexpectedly high mean score of 74%. Possible reasons for this result are discussed. Thematic analysis of interview data led to formulation of three main themes. These were categorised as Valuing Communication, Learning and Literacy, Exerting Control and Seeking Support. Themes are discussed with reference to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory.
Conclusion:
Young male offenders offered reflective and rich views on their lived experience when given the opportunity. This study contributes to an emerging evidence base by describing participant perspectives on the antecedents of communication breakdown in the prison setting, their perceptions of features of successful interaction with peers and authority figures, and a need for support in all justice environments, particularly in the court setting. Implications for practice and development of future research are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 27 Sept 2017 |
| Event | Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Conference 2017: Maximising Impact - Glasgow, United Kingdom Duration: 27 Sept 2017 → 28 Sept 2017 https://www.rcslt.org/news/events/2017/rcslt_conference |
Conference
| Conference | Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Conference 2017 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | RCSLT 2017 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Glasgow |
| Period | 27/09/17 → 28/09/17 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- offender
- language disorder
- justice
- prison
