We are inviting criminal defence practitioners to complete a short questionnaire as part of a European COST research project, Justice to Youth Language Needs: Human rights undermined by an invisible disadvantage.

The study aims to establish awareness of the language and communication needs of children aged 10–17 involved in criminal justice proceedings. The findings will inform recommendations on assessing these needs during police investigations and court proceedings.

We welcome responses from solicitors, including duty solicitors, and accredited police station representatives who have experience of advising or representing children during police investigations and interviews.

Because the questionnaire is being used across Europe, some questions may seem quite straightforward, or a little simplistic, in an England and Wales context. The common questions allow responses from different countries and legal systems to be compared.

The questionnaire should take no more than 20 minutes. Participation is voluntary. Please read the attached Participant Information Sheet for details of the research and consent arrangements.Information sheet for lawyers

If you would like to participate, please complete the questionnaire using the following link:

https://gre.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Tp4NLDv2079dWu

We would be grateful if you could complete the questionnaire by 27 November 2026.
If you have any questions about the research, please contact Dr Louise Hewitt at Louise.hewitt@greenwich.ac.uk.