Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona

Participants and contributors came from across Europe, as well as Canada, Japan and the United States. The programme combined theoretical sessions, practical exercises, virtual reality demonstrations and opportunities for professional and cultural exchange.

The week opened with contributions from Penelope Torres Moreno, Maria-Paz Vallès Creixell, Domingo Estepa Camacho and Professor Ioan Durnescu, ITSCCS Course Coordinator. An opening round table with Pia Andersson, Vesna Zelić Ferenčić and Michael Arnold, chaired by Iuliana Carbunaru and Professor Durnescu, explored how technology is shaping probation practice, including its implications for trust, empathy and supporting change.

Developing skills through practice

Professor Durnescu led the first session on building a working alliance with involuntary clients. Participants practised first interviews and explored ways to establish constructive relationships with people required to engage with probation services.

Anna Esquerrà Roqueta and Joe Arvidson then delivered a session on pro-social modelling, examining how professionals can model pro-social behaviour in both face-to-face and online interactions. Participants practised key micro-skills and exchanged feedback.

Wednesday focused on motivational interviewing and problem-solving. Professor Durnescu introduced motivational interviewing, followed by exercises on eliciting change talk and exploring discrepancies. Iuliana Carbunaru and Michael Baker then explored how problem-solving can be integrated with motivational interviewing, with participants developing their skills through practical exercises.

On Thursday, Jessica Warner led a session on cognitive behavioural interventions. Small-group scenarios and plenary discussions helped participants connect the learning to situations from their professional practice.

The final day brought the week’s learning together, focusing on how technology can support core correctional skills and how these skills can be integrated into everyday practice. The programme concluded with an evaluation and closing ceremony.

Experiencing virtual reality and exchanging perspectives

A study visit provided participants with an introduction to virtual reality in intervention programmes. Professionals from SUARA Cooperativa and Kiin Technologies presented the theoretical and methodological framework behind the approach, before participants had the opportunity to experience the technology themselves.

The visit also included Barcelona’s City of Justice, offering insights into the functioning of the judicial complex and further discussion about the potential of virtual reality in probation interventions.

Networking and cultural exchange

Learning continued outside the classroom through a welcome reception aboard a catamaran and a guided walking tour of Barcelona’s Eixample and Gothic Quarter. These activities provided opportunities to build professional connections and exchange experiences in an informal setting.

CEP thanks CEJFE, the trainers, speakers, study visit organisers and all participants for their contributions to this sixth edition. Their engagement helped make the ITSCCS a valuable opportunity to strengthen practical skills, exchange international perspectives and explore new approaches to probation practice.

Interested in developing your core correctional skills and connecting with colleagues from across Europe and beyond? Keep an eye on the CEP website, newsletter and social media for information about next year’s ITSCCS programme and registration.

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