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CEP Ambassador, Steve Pitts, in Japan

In his capacity as the CEP Ambassador, Mr. Steve Pitts had the privilege of presenting a public lecture this year at the Ministry of Justice in Tokyo, Japan. The event was hosted by UNAFEI (United Nations Asia and Far East Institute), JCPS (Japan Criminal Policy Society), and ACPF (Asia Crime Prevention Foundation). The lecture delved into the exploration of stronger probation practices and capacity through international collaboration. Following the lecture, Mr. Pitts engaged in insightful and inspiring discussions with participants from various countries, addressing challenges and steps in establishing alternatives to imprisonment.

Subsequently, Mr. Pitts found great pleasure and energy in meeting with Japanese volunteers (Hogoshi) at the temple of Mr. Komine. He listened to inspiring stories of their work in Japan and exchanged notes with European volunteer practices in preparation for the 2nd World Congress on Community Volunteers, scheduled to be held concurrently with the World Congress on Probation and Parole in The Hague in April.

Temple visit: front row left to right: Hogoshi Kikuko Kinoshima, Hogoshi Toshikazu Ishizaki, Stephen Pitts, Professor Naoki Tanaka and Hogoshi Tatsumaru Komine -Back row left to right: Hogoshi Yuko Mitsuhashi, Professor Yuho Furukawa and Hogoshi Shigeko Imai

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Recap

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Recap: CEP Expert Group meeting at ATGV Antalya

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The CEP Expert Group on Electronic Monitoring, along with representatives of the CEP Office led by Mr. Daniel Danglades, CEP Vice-President, visited the Education and Social Facility of the Ministry of Justice in Türkiye – ATGV Antalya. The host country was represented by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Director General Mr. Fatih Güngör, Head of the Turkish Probation Department Dr. Hüseyin Şık, Member of the CEP EM Expert Group Ms. Elçin Kilecioğlu, as well as the Director and representatives of the ATGV facility, and officials from the courts, prosecution, and probation services in Antalya.

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

On 11 March 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

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New

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Interview with new CEP board member Ian Barrow

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Enjoy reading!

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Gender Equality, Gender-based violence

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09/03/2026

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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.

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Online meeting for Directors General and Senior Managers in Probation

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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.

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