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A very successful 3rd World Congress on Probation in Japan
The Third World Congress on Probation has been a fabulous and successful event. Excellent presentations and plenary speakers sharing practices, critical analyses and possible solutions to the complex challenges in the use of community-based sanctions worldwide. The support, location visits, cultural events and hospitality extended throughout The Third World Congress on Probation by our Japanese hosts have been outstanding.
The inspiring examples of the community engagement, volunteer ethos and belief in everyone’s capacity to change that imbues probation in Japan and Asian neighbours will long remain with visitors and will, hopefully, inspire and influence how we work with people and communities.
Some facts
After The Second World Congress on Probation in Los Angeles, the organisation in Japan started working on the next edition immediately. Six Japanese organisations had the honor to organise this years edition: the Japan Ministry of Justice, United Nations and Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, also known as UNAFEI, Japan Rehabilitation Aid Association, The National Federation of Volunteer Probation Officers, The National Association of Offenders Rehabilitation Services, Japanese Association of Offenders Rehabilitation.
They asked the CEP, APPA, Dr. Porporino and three Japanese scholars to serve as their programme advisory members.
A total of 368 people attended the congress, they came from 38 countries. 175 of them came from Japan and 193 participants traveled from all over the world to attend the congress. 56 participants came from 16 countries in Europe.
A probation family
Above all, The World Congress has been a great opportunity to meet old and new friends, strengthen networks and develop relationships in the great world ‘family’ of probation! We learn, share and grow together, building strong and valued relationships to work smarter and better for our communities and people
Great credit, many thanks and sincere appreciation is due to our Japanese hosts for their welcome, excellent organisation and generous spirit which has made The World Congress a very successful and most enjoyable congress. Next stop: The Fourth World Congress on Probation in Sydney in 2019, the family continues to grow and share!
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brought further reflection and exchange on the role of probation and community-based approaches in supporting rehabilitation and social inclusion.
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A central theme highlighted during Day 2 was the importance of focusing on what works in practice, and how effective integration requires active participation in society. As discussed, professional probation practice is not only about systems and structures, but about placing the person at the centre, responding to individual needs, and recognising rehabilitation as a journey within the community.
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades also reflected on the role of community-based approaches such as the Japanese Hogoshi system, underlining the value of strong volunteer engagement in supporting reintegration.
The World Congress on Community Volunteers, held as part of the World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, was also highlighted during the day, with the session moderated by CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades. This further underlines CEP’s commitment to strengthening the role of community volunteers at an international level.
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👉 Watch the English-language video here: https://youtu.be/VqfSwnvJQuw
👉 A German-language reflection from Day 2 by Laura Schneider (Bewährungs- und Gerichtshilfe Baden-Württemberg) is also available on the Referat_Y YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GOSOogfHleo
More information about the Congress: https://www.wcpp2026.id/
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