Courtrooms are intimidating places for anybody but what if you were on trial and had no idea what was going on. International research started here in New Zealand shows 60% of youth offenders have language difficulties, meaning their participation in and understanding of what happens to them in the justice system is significantly reduced. Communication problems also affect kids getting in trouble at school and going through Child Youth and Family processes.
Sally Kedge runs Talking Trouble Aotearoa, a social enterprise which works to improve outcomes for young people with language problems
Photo: 123rf
