Lived experience informed criminal justice social work in England

Social work, internationally, is committed to harnessing the knowledge of those with lived experience of social disadvantage and to working in solidarity to alleviate the impacts of harm and inequality and promote social justice. However, people with lived experiences of criminalisation, many of whom have experienced multiple and intersecting inequities, are often excluded from social work knowledge production. This is an oversight given that lived experience informed criminal justice (LECJ) theory and practice is increasingly prominent. Whilst Social Work England requires that the professional knowledge base is shaped by those ‘with lived experience of social work2019;, the profession often notably excludes those with lived experience of criminalisation. Here, we argue that Generative Justice is a useful concept for considering and potentially addressing this omission. This chapter begins by introducing our own positions in relation to this subject. We then consider the case for LECJ social work, including how personal narratives can help re-imagine and shape a more efficient, just, humane, and responsive system. Finally, we conclude with a consideration of the limitations and ethical complexities of LECJ and how participatory social work – and the generative justice concept – could be strengthened by engaging with this complexity.