Social Participation in Community Corrections: A Qualitative Analysis of Justice Practices in China

In China, the widespread implementation of community corrections is a key strategy designed to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. This strategy prominently features social participation as a critical element. This study delves into the effects of social participation on correctional practices by conducting in-depth interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders, including community corrections officials, judicial police, community workers, and counselors. Our findings reveal a predominant government-led approach to social participation, where government-funded social organizations play a major role. The research also highlights significant role conflicts and jurisdictional ambiguities within the system, which may arise from unclear criminal policies. These conflicts and ambiguities underline the challenges in the current implementation of community corrections. By examining these dynamics, the study suggests that refining the government-led model of social participation could provide more effective strategies for enhancing civic engagement and improving the efficacy of community correction.