Child-Centered Justice: Rethinking Systems for Children’s Rights

In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Professor Jennifer Davidson, Executive Director of the Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures at the University of Strathclyde. The conversation examines how global coalitions, governments, and communities can work together to better uphold children’s rights. Professor Davidson outlines the Institute’s mission to bridge research and real-world impact, focusing on children facing the greatest adversities. The discussion highlights a persistent global gap between society’s aspirations for children and their lived realities, and the structural barriers that continue to limit children’s access to justice, safety, and well-being. A central theme is the concept of child-centered justice. This approach reframes justice systems to recognize children as rights holders with agency, emphasizing outcomes that are safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. It extends beyond formal legal systems to consider the full spectrum of children’s lived experiences, from victims of abuse to those in conflict with the law. The episode also examines the work of the Justice Action Coalition, a high-ambition partnership advancing people-centered justice in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16. With growing governmental engagement, the coalition is now placing children at the forefront of justice reform efforts, aiming to align political will with actionable, scalable solutions. Key insights from the conversation include: Why justice systems often fail children, even when laws are in place The importance of listening directly to children’s experiences and perspectives Early findings from research across Sierra Leone, Greece, South Africa, Colombia, and the Philippines The role of feedback loops in improving public systems and closing implementation gaps Emerging challenges, including the impact of AI and digital systems on children’s rights The need for greater philanthropic focus on justice for children as a distinct field Professor Davidson also reflects on her professional journey, from frontline social work to leading systems change initiatives, and explains why accountability and justice are essential to sustaining progress for children over time. This episode offers a rigorous and globally informed perspective on how justice systems can evolve to better serve children. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.