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Learning Disability: Young Offenders

Volume 482: debated on Tuesday 4 November 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Justice on improving support for children with learning difficulties in young offender institutions. (232308)

The Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Ministry of Justice have joint responsibility for policy for youth justice, including education and related services such as support for young people with learning difficulties. The Government published the Youth Crime Action Plan in July which included a commitment to consider how we best meet young offenders' special educational needs in juvenile custody. The document noted that plans will be developed within the context of the evidence and recommendations from the Bercow Review of provision for speech, language and communication needs, and Sir Jim Rose's recommendations on the identification and teaching of children with dyslexia.