John Podmore writes that, “The basic tenet of a fair trial is that the defendant must understand what he or she is charged with, what the process entails and how they can best defend themselves. We currently breach this important aspect of our legal system in a number of ways.”
For the vulnerable it can simply be another component in a bewildering process where not only might the penalties be disproportionate but the innocent may not go free.”
The ICAN blog also posted about a new video for young offenders with communication difficulties, entitled ‘Getting ready for court’. It has been launched by Raising Your Game, a five-year project run by Mencap in partnership with I CAN and Nacro, helping young people aged 14-25 with a learning disability or communication difficulty who are at risk of offending.
The video outlines and explains the key figures in the court process and offers tips and suggestions for young people with learning disabilities or communication difficulties. You can watch it here: http://raisingyourgame.mencap.org.uk/getting-ready-for-court-film
If you think that a friend or relative may benefit from speech and language therapy or associated therapies, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Sarah Bennington, July 2012
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire, East Midlands and Southern England. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists.
