Promoting Client Participation: A Study of Youth Probationers in Hong Kong

Abstract

Advocacy for promoting client participation in the helping process of social work has been reported in the literature since the 1970s. But the practicality of the concept in working with young probationers has never been explored. This paper presents a recent qualitative study exploring the applicability of client participation in the supervision process with young probationers who are usually regarded as immature and lacking both self-confidence and the ability to make the “right” decisions. The findings of the study indicate that youth probationers can participate in the service if allowed to. They also support the promotion of the concept in working with youth probationers. Principles to promote the implementation of this concept in working with youth probationers in the probation service are suggested.