Skip to content

News

Council of Europe – New recommendation to protect mental health of prisoners and probationers

The Council of Europe has issued a Recommendation to its 46 member states to enhance the mental health support available to prisoners and probationers while ensuring their dignity is fully respected. Given the high prevalence of mental health issues among these groups, the Recommendation calls for equal access to healthcare, similar to what is provided to the general population.

It emphasizes the need for specialized training for prison and probation staff to better understand and respond to mental health issues. Authorities should ensure proper screening by qualified professionals to identify those with mental disorders, followed by further assessment and consent-based treatment. Clear protocols should also be in place to address self-harm and suicide risks with immediate intervention.

To promote good mental health, prisons and probation services should create a supportive environment, offer access to mental health services, encourage physical and creative activities, and facilitate community reintegration. Security measures should never compromise mental health protection, and ethical, medical, and human rights standards must always be upheld. The implementation of this Recommendation will be monitored by the Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) and the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC).

Read press release on CoE

Download Recommendations 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

Uncategorized

Help Us Improve the CEP Website

07/01/2026

At Confederation of European Probation (CEP), we want to make sure our website continues to support our mission and the work of our community in the best possible way.

We are inviting you to take part in a short survey that takes around six minutes. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where the website can be improved.

New

Prison

From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding

06/01/2026

EuroPris has published a new report titled From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding. The report provides an overview of how prison administrations across Europe are addressing prison overcrowding and their responses to it.

The mapping exercise was conducted between April and September 2025. It is based on structured survey responses from 33 national and regional prison administrations, representing approximately 80% of EuroPris members. The findings are complemented by expert interviews and institutional input.

New

Probation in Europe

New calls for proposals under the CERV and Justice programmes!

05/01/2026

Discover the first 2026 calls and do not miss the opportunity to apply.

>> Click here to view the calls.

Reading corner

Probation in Europe

The Routledge Handbook of European Penology

05/01/2026

The Routledge Handbook of European Penology, published by Routledge. This comprehensive volume has been edited by Sonja Snacken, Gaëtan Cliquennois, Ioan Durnescu, Diete Humblet and Elena Larrauri.

New

Domestic violence, Gender-based violence

Practitioner guidance for supporting neurodivergent clients in domestic abuse work

23/12/2025

A new practitioner guide is currently being piloted across the UK that aims to support professionals working with neurodivergent clients for more inclusive domestic abuse perpetrator interventions. The guide has been co developed for domestic abuse perpetrator intervention practitioners who work with neurodivergent clients, translating research findings into practical guidance for day to day practice.

New

Probation in Europe

New Vodcast Episode: Christoph Koss on Probation and Parole in Austria

22/12/2025

The 17th episode of Division_Y features Christoph Koss, Director of the NEUSTART Association for Probation and Parole, Restorative Justice, and Social Work in Austria.

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!