Previous Article
News
Expert Group on Mental Health Advances Work on European Training Curriculum for Probation Officers
The CEP Expert Group on Mental Health met on 19 November 2025 to continue its work on developing a European mental health training curriculum for probation officers. Since last year, the group has been working intensively and meticulously to produce a solid first version of the curriculum.
This initial draft was recently shared with 13 European probation services and reviewed by around 30 professionals, who were invited to provide external validation and feedback.
During today’s meeting, the group reviewed all contributions received and carefully assessed how to incorporate them while ensuring the overall coherence of the document.
Although significant progress has been made, the group has not yet finalised this phase of the work. Members will continue refining the curriculum in the coming months to ensure a high-quality, comprehensive, and representative result for all European countries.
Looking ahead, the group has also planned an in-person meeting for early 2026. In addition to the curriculum, the Expert Group will begin developing practical materials and a guide to support probation officers in working with probationers who experience mental health difficulties. These resources are intended to be translated into various EU languages to maximise accessibility and impact.
The Expert Group will continue to meet regularly as it advances this important initiative for European probation practice.
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.
Probation Journal
Women, youth
Understanding the needs of girls and young women in youth justice
10/03/2026
New research highlights the underlying needs that influence girls’ and young women’s contact with youth justice systems and calls for more gender responsive approaches in policy and practice. Drawing on a review of recent studies, the authors identify several factors shaping girls’ pathways into the justice system, including persistent abuse, trauma, gendered expectations, and systemic failures. Girls involved in youth justice are often affected by multiple forms of victimisation, such as sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, with experiences frequently beginning in early childhood.
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Ian Barrow
09/03/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
New
Gender Equality, Gender-based violence
Women’s Day
09/03/2026
Yesterday was International Women’s Day.
At CEP, this day closely reflects our core values and ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence within the context of probation and community justice.
Directors General Meetings
Online meeting for Directors General and Senior Managers in Probation
05/03/2026
On Wednesday 4 March CEP organized its annual online meeting for Directors General and Senior Managers in Probation. The session offered a comprehensive look into how CEP Expert Groups function and the value they bring across the organization. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how these groups operate, how they support CEP’s strategic priorities, and how colleagues can engage with their work—either as active members or as stakeholders who rely on their outputs.
New
Probation in Europe, Violent Extremism
New EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation Newsletter
05/03/2026
The latest edition of the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation newsletter is now available.
This month’s edition highlights key activities bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, victims, and representatives from victims’ associations through strategic meetings and specialised trainings across Europe and beyond. It also shares updates on preparations for the 2026 European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, reinforcing a united message of solidarity and the European Commission’s continued commitment to victim- and survivor-centred action.
Recap
Probation in Europe, Probation outside Europe
CEP at EL PACCTO Webinar
05/03/2026
On 25 February 2026, the European Union–funded EL PACCTO 2.0 Programme (Technical Assistance against Transnational Organised Crime) organised a webinar on alternative measures in the Caribbean.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
"*" indicates required fields
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.