Previous Article
News
Yellow Ribbon Run Prague: a run for reintegration of ex-offenders
Honza spent three years in prison. After his release he wanted to close the door to his criminal past. Together with his mom, he decided to join the Yellow Ribbon Run to open the door to a better future. The Czech Probation Service organises the Yellow Ribbon Run to raise awareness for the difficult employability of ex-offenders and their struggle with reintegration back into society. Last year was a great success and at the moment they are looking for runners for this years edition!
The Czech Probation Service wants to offer ex-offenders and their families a second chance for a good life, help them find a job, contribute to the protection of society and crime victims, and build a way from the strict punishment towards the acceptance of guilt and responsibility up to the forgiveness and real freedom.
The Yellow Ribbon Run is organised by Rubikon Centre, the Czech Probation Service, the Prison Service and RunCzech. The Yellow Ribbon Run became the Title Charity Partner to the O2 Prague Relay 2018, which takes place on June 13, 2018. Besides the O2 Prague Relay, you can see the Yellow Ribbon Runners wearing special T-shirts during the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon on April the 7th and the Volkswagen Marathon Weekend on May the 5th.

History of the Yellow Ribbon Run
The Yellow Ribbon Run Project was first launched in Singapore in 2004 by the Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders (CARE) Network. The idea of organising a Yellow Ribbon Run was brought to the Czech Republic by Gabriela Slováková, Director of Světlá nad Sázavou Women´s Prison.
‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree’
The Yellow Ribbon Run was inspired by a popular song ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree’ by Tony Orlando. The song describes a story of an ex-offender asking his wife to show forgiveness by tying a yellow ribbon around the oak tree. He eventually finds the city square decorated with more than a hundred yellow ribbons. The yellow ribbon became the symbol of the campaign helping to reintegrate ex-offenders back into society.
The 2017 Yellow Ribbon Run Highlights
In 2017, there were 400 runners and 34 organisations involved, 19 prisoners and 17 ex-offenders joined the run. We helped to create 290 jobs for prisoners and 93 jobs for ex-offenders. The 2017 Yellow Ribbon Run was supported by a famous Czech paralympic athlete, Mr Jiří Ježek, and the Secretary of State, Mr Robert Pelikán, who is going to run again this year.
Get registered and run!
You, your friends, family or colleagues, everyone can run. Are you afraid that 21km or 42km is too much? Join the 4 x 5km relay. Form a team and make the Yellow Ribbon Running your personal running challenge. Do you want to raise money for your team? Launch a fundraising campaing. Do you just want to help? You can also support the runners and donate money
Click on the link if you want to register for the Yellow Ribbon Run or if you want to read more about this project.
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
Education and Training
Recap: CEP Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation meets with the European Commission to discuss the EU Judicial Training Strategy
11/03/2026
The CEP Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation met online with more than 20 participants from Belgium, Denmark, Sweeden, France, Romania, Croatia, Catalonia, Poland, United Kingdom and Türkiye to exchange views with the European Commission on the newly adopted EU Judicial Training Strategy 2025–2030.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for representatives of probation training institutions across Europe to engage directly with European Commission officials and discuss how the strategy may impact the training of probation and prison staff in the coming years.
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.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
"*" indicates required fields
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.