Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis (699 registration)

Degree Name

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Elaine Pyle, Ph.D., M.S./CCC-SLP

Keywords

Juvenile Justice, Language Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Interprofessional Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain more understanding of how individuals who work with the juvenile justice population understand language disorders and the scope of speech and language therapy services. In addition, this study explored potential supports for individuals working in this setting. This study consisted of twenty participants working in the juvenile justice system who completed a survey tool that was designed by the researcher to describe the participant's perceptions of speech-language pathology, current procedures, reported challenges, and potential areas in need of support. Participant knowledge of the scope of speech-language pathology varied among participants. The highest reported challenge among participants was youth behavior. The majority of participants believe that social skills and language skills can impact behavior. Ninety percent of the participants indicated a willingness to receive training on communication strategies. The findings of this study suggest that there is a willingness among individuals who work in the juvenile justice setting to receive education on language disorders and communication strategies. The results of this study indicate a need for increased advocacy and awareness in the field of speech-language pathology to increase the population’s understanding of speech-language services in the juvenile justice setting.

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