Language difficulties in children and young people living in care: A systematic scoping review

Children and young people living in care (aka looked-after children and young people) are at a high risk of language development delays. This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesise research published between 1989 and 2024 that examines the prevalence, nature and key areas of language difficulties among children and young people in care. It also aimed to report associated risk and protective factors and to identify existing intervention strategies relevant to supporting their language development. An iterative search strategy resulted in the inclusion of 38 studies, with the majority conducted in the United States (n = 12). Studies varied widely in terms of methodological factors, and most were single research projects that had not been replicated. A range of language screening tools were used which included well-known and less-known measures that had different clinical thresholds. The results indicated that children and young people in care are at a greater risk of experiencing difficulties in all areas of language. This topic thus warrants more attention and further investigation. This research has the potential to significantly influence both policy and practice by highlighting the critical need for early identification and support for language difficulties among children in care, particularly those who have experienced maltreatment.