Speech and Language Therapy in Tusla
Tusla Speech and Language Therapists (SLT’s) work with children in care by identifying and supporting their communication needs. SLT’s support children and young people to communicate with those around them and support their social and emotional well-being, mental health, relationship building, educational attainment and future life chances. Speech and Language Therapy reduces the potentially negative consequences of unidentified communication needs, including in relation to behaviour, literacy, and the ability to access education and potential exclusion from school.
SLT’s within Tusla work as part of integrated therapy teams that includes the referring social worker, and other therapy grades which may include occupational therapy, psychology, Marteo Meo Therapists, addiction counsellors, social care, and community services to support children in care in achieving best outcomes. SLT interventions are supported by an understanding of the impact of developmental trauma and disrupted attachment on speech, language, and communication development.
We currently have a number of speech and language therapists working as part of the Tusla area based therapy teams and within our Assessment Consultation Therapy Services screening for communication needs, training and offering support to family members, foster families, teachers, and other professionals in developing an awareness of communication and interaction needs and how to respond to them so that the places where children spend most of their time, school, and home, can meet their needs. SLT’s also provide direct support to those children who require more specialised support.
There is currently an exciting opportunity for senior speech and language therapists to join Tusla therapy teams in supporting children to connect and build relationships with those around them and support an understanding of the impact of trauma and disrupted attachment on communication. Children who find communication hard find life hard. Communication problems can impair children’s ability to interact, manage their behaviour, learn, and think. SLT’s within Tusla have a unique role in identifying the barriers to communication, increase social connectedness and create inclusive communication environments which reduces the impact of unmet SLCN on the young person. Speech and language therapy services with Tusla therapy are expanding and seeking candidates to join the organization in creating better outcomes for children and young people as they enter care.