Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the youth justice system

An action plan and responses document and children and young people’s summary version are included.

During 2009 Arad Consulting, were commissioned to undertake an analysis of support for young people with SEN in the youth justice system in Wales.

The aim of the study was to undertake research on the support available to young people with SEN within the youth justice system. It also looked at the support for practitioners in the sector.

The key source of information about children and young people who come into contact with the youth justice sector is the information provided in the Youth Justice Board. These assessments are designed to identify the specific problems that make the young person offend.

They include questions on whether a young person has a statement of SEN. It also asks questions on attainment and whether a young person has been the victim of bullying.

This report outlines the issues for consideration of the research.  It draws on a review of academic and policy literature and a stakeholder engagement exercise. This exercise obtained the views of practitioners working within the youth justice sector in Wales.

This document outlines some of the issues in relation to support for young people with SEN in the youth justice system in Wales.
One outcome from the Arad Report was the provision of SEN Awareness training to selected Youth Offending Team (YOT) personnel across the Convergence Area of Wales, alongside a number of colleagues working within the secure estate.

The purpose of this training was to create a starting point in raising awareness and knowledge associated with SEN. Therefore enabling those working with children and young people in the youth justice system in Wales to identify this possibility, make more effective links and to develop working tools to help manage this and ultimately provide a more individualised person focussed delivery.

From this training a DVD and work manual have been produced, which are linked below, that will become an effective resource to many and will be utilised as part of effective induction to newly appointed YOT personnel.