Exploring partnerships with justice-involved children in Hong Kong: the role of social workers and barriers towards transformation

Purpose This study aims to explore adult professional’s role using the conceptual framework of co-production. It proposes that when adult professionals recognise children’s expertise, they can form equal, interdependent partnerships as co-constructors of knowledge which are integral to co-production practice, but structural and cultural barriers persist when working with justice involved children. This study investigates the sociocultural context of Hong Kong to expand critical knowledge of co-production in youth justice. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a qualitative approach and reports on data gathered from participant observation and interviews with social workers in a local children’s service. Findings This paper empirically uncovers how missed opportunities for social workers to transform their role when working with justice involved children. Partnerships were highly valued as an important part of social workers role, but in practice, equal partnerships were met with institutional and cultural barriers, whereas interdependency formed but social workers still navigated tensions of regulating children’s behaviour. Research limitations/implications Deeper theoretical understanding of the structural and cultural impact on co-production across youth justice in the Hong Kong context remains to be explored, though focusing on the repositing of adult professional roles supports a greater understanding of the conflicting practice within youth justice. Practical implications Professionals can reflect critically on how their role as co-constructors of knowledge can be achieved to expand children’s meaningful participation into the planning and design of programmes to co-create objectives and share power. Originality/value This paper combines theory of co-production with local Asian practices, identifying how barriers towards transformation play out through relationships between children and front-line professionals.