Previous Article
News
An Evidence Review of Community Service Policy, Practice and Structure
The Community Service Order (‘CSO’) was introduced to Ireland in 1983 as an alternative to custody to address concerns relating to prison overcrowding and rising crime rates.
Evidence shows that Community Service results in lower reoffending rates and more positive outcomes for those who have offended and their community, when compared with short-term prison sentences. Notwithstanding these findings, the CSO remains underutilised.
An Evidence Review of Community Service Policy, Practice and Structure by Dr Louise Kennefick (University of Glasgow) and Dr Eoin Guilfoyle (Brunel University London), was commissioned as part of the Probation Service’s strategy to maximise the potential benefit of Community Service in the Irish criminal justice system, and to reform and revitalise the current operating model.
The evidence in the review is overwhelmingly supportive of approaches to Community Service in the criminal justice system that aim to advance the principles of desistance, restorative justice and social justice.
The recommendations from An Evidence Review of Community Service Policy will inform policy and practice developments, support the advancement of innovative approaches and initiatives, enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of community service and strengthen the evidence base for stakeholders.
The Evidence Review of Community Service Policy, Practice and Structure is available to read and download here.
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
Probation in Europe
New Division episode: Daniel Wolter on the DBH Federal Association
23/02/2026
The 18th episode of Division_Y features Daniel Wolter, Director of the DBH Federal Association for Social Work, Criminal Law and Criminal Policy, based in Cologne, Germany.
New
Victims rights
European Day for Victims of Crime
23/02/2026
Yesterday, 22 February, marked the European Day for Victims of Crime.
At CEP, we recognise that crime causes harm to individuals and communities. Probation work focuses on accountability, rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, contributing to the prevention of further victimisation.
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Jana Bewersdorff
19/02/2026
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!
Recap
Research
Recap: Expert group on Research
18/02/2026
The Expert Group on Research met on 17 February at the CEP office in Utrecht, The Netherlands, for its annual face‑to‑face meeting.
New
CEP members
New CEP member: Killian Evert
17/02/2026
In recent weeks, CEP has interviewed individual members and representatives of the new member organisations that joined CEP at the beginning of 2026. In these interviews, the new member organisations or individual members will share information on why they decided to become members, how they would like to contribute to the development of CEP and many more.
Enjoy reading!
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Line Elisabeth Wilberg
11/02/2026
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!
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.