Open Letter to Premier Crisafulli: Youth Justice Reform and Developmental Language Disorder in Queensland

why we’re sharing this letter

At The DLD Project Foundation, we are dedicated to raising awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), supporting families, and advocating for systemic reforms that enable children and young people with DLD to thrive. We are also committed to transparency and ensuring the DLD community are aware when organisations speak on their behalf.

We are sharing this open letter to Premier David Crisafulli to highlight the urgent need for youth justice reform in Queensland – one that recognises the profound impact of hidden disabilities like DLD.

The letter

21 August 2025

Dear Premier Crisafulli,

As Chairperson of The DLD Project Foundation, I am writing to share our organisation’s perspective on youth justice reform and highlight the importance of aligning policy with the growing body of international evidence on vulnerable young people.

We recognise your government’s commitment to making Queensland communities safer and acknowledge recent initiatives, such as the establishment of permanent Youth Crime Taskforce operations and investment in Crime Prevention Schools. However, we are deeply concerned that the predominant approach of tougher sentencing, under the “adult crime, adult time” framework, risks overlooking the complex developmental needs of many young people in the justice system.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a hidden but common disability affecting approximately 1 in 14 Australians or 445,000 Queenslanders, is significantly overrepresented in the youth justice population. Research consistently shows that between 60–90% of children in custody experience communication difficulties. For young people with DLD, challenges in understanding language, regulating emotions, and navigating social interactions can increase vulnerability to both victimisation and criminalisation. When these needs are unrecognised or unsupported, punitive responses often exacerbate disadvantage rather than reduce reoffending.

The Sieff Foundation’s Independent Review on SEND, Neurodivergence and Youth Justice (2025) provides a roadmap for reform, with recommendations highly relevant to Queensland’s current challenges. These include:
• Mandatory screening for neurodevelopmental and language difficulties at first contact with police;
• Training for police, legal professionals, and judges to engage effectively with neurodivergent children;
• Co-located services and stronger multi-agency collaboration to identify and respond early to vulnerable young people; and
• Systematic data collection to track prevalence, outcomes, and the effectiveness of interventions.

Evidence shows that such measures only protect children’s rights and deliver economic benefits through reduced reoffending. Youth are more likely to experience greater long-term participation in education, employment, and community life. In the UK, modelling estimates a net return of up to £10 for every £1 invested in reforms of this nature.

We urge your government to complement its strong stance on community safety with investment in evidence-based reforms that address the root causes of youth offending. By embedding early identification, tailored support, and interagency collaboration into Queensland’s youth justice response, we can break cycles of disadvantage while also delivering on your priority of safer communities.

Professor Sheena Reilly AM and myself welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your advisors to discuss how Queensland can lead the nation in building a youth justice system that is both effective and compassionate, and which recognises the hidden but profound impact of Developmental Language Disorder.

International DLD Awareness Day is on Friday 17 October with more than 40 countries involved in DLD advocacy and awareness.

We look forward to working with you to meet the needs of people with DLD in Queensland.
Sincerely,
Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz
Chairperson of The DLD Project Foundation
Co-CEO of The DLD Project

Letter Recipients

This letter has been sent separately to each of the following:

• Hon. David Crisafulli MP, Premier and Minister for Veterans
• Hon. Amanda Camm MP, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
• Hon. John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts
• Hon. Laura Gerber MP, Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services
• Hon. Sam O’Connor MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth
• Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services

Learn More and Get Involved

• About Developmental Language Disorder
• Support Our Advocacy Work
• Contact us: hello@thedldprojectfoundation.org.au

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