Previous Article
News
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.
Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the week-long school brings together probation professionals and international experts under the theme “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.” The opening reflected the strong support of the Catalan Government and CEJFE for CEP and their shared commitment to professional training and international exchange.
Participants were welcomed by Penelope Torres Moreno, Head of the Research and Training Area for Penal Enforcement at CEJFE; Maria-Paz Vallès Creixell, Director General of Probation and Juvenile Justice at the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality; Domingo Estepa Camacho, Director General of Prison Services at the same Department; and Professor Ioan Durnescu of the University of Bucharest, who is the author of the Core Correctional Skills manual and coordinates the Training School.
The opening was followed by a keynote round table that brought perspectives from Finland, Croatia and the United Kingdom to a high-level discussion of digital probation. Pia Andersson, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Prison and Probation Service and former CEP Board member; Vesna Zelić Ferenčić, Head of the Development Service at Croatia’s Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; and Michael Arnold, Head of AI and Innovation at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, explored what technological change means for everyday probation practice. The discussion was chaired by Iuliana Carbunaru, Probation Inspector at Romania’s National Probation Directorate and former CEP Vice-President, together with Professor Durnescu.
The programme then moved from discussion to practice. In a session led by Professor Durnescu, participants examined how to build a working alliance with a person who is required to engage with probation services. A practice lab on the first interview gave them an immediate opportunity to apply and discuss these skills.
The Training School runs until 2 October. Through expert sessions, practice labs and peer exchange, participants will explore how to use core correctional skills, including pro-social modelling, motivational interviewing and problem-solving, in both face-to-face and digital settings. As the ways we communicate change, skilled human relationships remain essential to effective probation work.
Follow CEP on social media for updates and highlights throughout the week.
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
Recap
Electronic monitoring, Technology
14th Electronic Monitoring Conference, Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality
08/10/2026
On 6-8 October 2026, Antalya hosted the 14th Electronic Monitoring Conference “Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality”. More than 350 participants coming from 32 countries across Europe and worldwide representing probation services, Ministries of Justice, victims´ services, EM providers, researchers as well as local participants representing the Turkish Prison and Probation Service gathered to discuss how electronic monitoring (EM) is understood by all stakeholders involved including the victims and the public, and how these perceptions compare to the evidence and experiences of those affected. While the gap between perception and reality in electronic monitoring has been recognised for over a decade, the rapid expansion of EM into areas such as victim protection, high-risk supervision and digital innovation has brought new challenges and questions to the forefront.
Recap
ITSCCS
Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona
05/10/2026
The sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills (ITSCCS) took place in Barcelona from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 26 participants for a week of learning, practical training and international exchange. Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the programme focused on “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.”
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA workshop on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 in Bucharest
02/10/2026
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades, Ambassador Gerry McNally and Policy Officer Mirka Jakesova participated in the Seminar on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU organized under the EU project run by the Academy of European Law on 28-29 September in Bucharest, Romania. The seminar brought together judges, prosecutors, probation practitioners, academics, and policy experts to discuss the growing role of alternatives to detention within European criminal justice systems.
New
CEP
CEP and Catalan justice leaders reaffirm longstanding cooperation
29/09/2026
Representatives of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) met with senior officials from the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality in Barcelona on 28 September 2026, alongside the opening of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. The meeting offered an opportunity to recognise a longstanding partnership and discuss its continued development.
Updated
Mental Health
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Pilot Implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum
29/09/2026
Good news for CEP members! Following requests from our members, CEP has extended the deadline to apply for the pilot implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.
Recap
ITSCCS, Technology
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
28/09/2026
How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.