Previous Article
News
‘The Monkey Robert’, a children’s probation story by Intress
One day a group of savanna animals wake up and see that someone has stolen the shoes from the store of Pere the hippopotamus. This is the beginning of the story ‘The Monkey Robert’, a book produced by the Catalan organisation Intress to explain to children what probation means. We spoke to Meritxell Campmajo, the author and Director of the Intress Probation Service in Catalonia, about the book.
What is the story about?
The story begins when one day in the savanna, some animals wake up and see how overnight someone has stolen shoes from the store of the Pere the hippopotamus. The police elephants find out that the Monkey Robert is the one who committed this crime. The owl, a judge, gives him the choice between a prison sentence and repairing the damage he has done under the supervision of the Eagle, a probation officer. Robert the Monkey agrees on cleaning the market and help the other animals out. At first, he does not like his job, but the animals tell him how beautiful and clean the market looks after he cleaned it. This makes him proud and appreciate his work. After he is finished Pere the hippopotamus even offers him a job at his shoe store. Robert the Monkey has learned to work in a different way and Pere also learns what it is like to give people a second chance.
How did Intress come up with the idea of producing a story about probation for children?
Intress, as a nonprofit association, has been working on a selection of a tales that wants to teach children about the social values of community intervention. ‘The Monkey Robert’ is the second book of the collection. The first one was about Iris, a little elephant, explaining the welcome in a migration process.
Why is it so important to produce a story for children about these topics?
We are an organisation of professional experts in the social field that detects needs, designs projects and manages services with a model of attention focused on the person and the community. For us it is important to inform as many people as possible about the work we do. Especially for children it is important to learn about alternative measures to prison. We work to raise awareness about the importance of aiming for a more restorative and less punitive penal model.
How was the book produced?
The text in Robert Monkey story was written by me, and it was reviewed by different professionals working in the probation service managed by INTRESS. The illustrations are carried out by Kira Diaz, who had already illustrated the first tale of our collection.
The book is published in Spanish and Catalan.
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 30 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.