Previous Article
News
Council of Europe – New recommendation to protect mental health of prisoners and probationers
The Council of Europe has issued a Recommendation to its 46 member states to enhance the mental health support available to prisoners and probationers while ensuring their dignity is fully respected. Given the high prevalence of mental health issues among these groups, the Recommendation calls for equal access to healthcare, similar to what is provided to the general population.
It emphasizes the need for specialized training for prison and probation staff to better understand and respond to mental health issues. Authorities should ensure proper screening by qualified professionals to identify those with mental disorders, followed by further assessment and consent-based treatment. Clear protocols should also be in place to address self-harm and suicide risks with immediate intervention.
To promote good mental health, prisons and probation services should create a supportive environment, offer access to mental health services, encourage physical and creative activities, and facilitate community reintegration. Security measures should never compromise mental health protection, and ethical, medical, and human rights standards must always be upheld. The implementation of this Recommendation will be monitored by the Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) and the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC).
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.
New
Technology
Registration deadline approaching: Join CEP’s final workshop of 2026 on technology in probation
22/10/2026
📢 Have you registered yet? CEP’s final workshop of 2026 takes place on 24 November in Barcelona, bringing together professionals to explore how technology is being used across probation services in Europe.
The Workshop on Alternatives to Detention and Technologies: Deep Diving into New Trends will look beyond artificial intelligence to examine the different ways technology is shaping probation practice, from staff training to working with clients and collaborating with other criminal justice partners.
Recap
Directors General Meetings
CEP Leadership Excellence Training: strengthening leadership and cooperation across Europe
22/10/2026
The CEP Leadership Excellence Training, held on 20–21 October in Zagreb, Croatia, brought together Directors General and senior probation managers from 11 European countries for a two-day interactive programme focused on leadership, communication, staff development, and international cooperation.
New
CEP
Call for Proposals: Evaluation of CEP Expert Groups
21/10/2026
On behalf of Ms. Jana Špero Kamenjarin, CEP Secretary General, it is my pleasure to invite you to submit a proposal to conduct an evaluation within the CEP work programme.
Recap
Uncategorized
CEP at UNODC: Contributing to the Development of Probation Services Worldwide
19/10/2026
The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) was represented by its Secretary General, Jana Špero Kamenjarin, at the Expert Group Meeting on the Establishment of Probation Services and Probation Practices, organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and held at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) from 12 to 14 October 2026.
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.”
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.