Previous Article
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).
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
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Community Sanctions and Measures, Framework Decisions, Technology
Future of Criminal Justice: CEP’s Contribution to Key 2025 Dialogues
27/01/2026
Throughout 2025, CEP and its representatives actively participated in the online Technical meetings ahead of the HLF as well as the High Level Forum on Future of Criminal Justice taking place on 4-5 March 2025, 20-21 May 2025 and 1-2 October 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
Recap
Alternatives to pre-trial detention
Recap: Webinar on Alternatives to Detention 2026
26/01/2026
On Thursday 22 January, CEP hosted the first webinar of 2025 on the topic of Alternatives to Detention. The session led by Ms. Marina Pajoni from the French Prison and Probation Service titled „Problem Solving Justice in Pracitce: The Meuse Probation Service´s Approach to Drug Addiction“ introduced an innovative programme developed by the Meuse Probation Service in close cooperation with the French Ministry of Justice.
New
Education and Training
CEP launches an interactive European map of probation education and training institution contacts
22/01/2026
The CEP is pleased to inform its members that a new dedicated section has been developed on the CEP website featuring an interactive map of Europe.
New
CEP Events
CEP activity calendar 2026
20/01/2026
As we begin the new year, we would like to thank all CEP members, partners, and participants for your continued engagement and valuable contributions. Your involvement plays an essential role in shaping CEP’s work and activities.
We are pleased to share the CEP calendar for 2026, which provides an overview of the events planned for the year ahead. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcoming you to upcoming CEP activities throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of the CEP community.
New
CEP members, Gender-based violence
Interventions Alliance’s Eden House Recognized as Outstanding
15/01/2026
CEP is delighted to share that Eden House, an Interventions Alliance residential service for women with high-risk or complex needs on probation, has been rated “Outstanding” overall by HM Inspectorate of Probation. In 2022, Eden House was honored with the CEP Public Protection Award. Our sincere congratulations to the team for this remarkable achievement.
New
Education and Training
The Judicial Training Dashboard
14/01/2026
The European Training Platform (ETP) is a search tool for justice professionals. You can find self-learning materials on a great variety of EU law practice areas and related topics, as well as links to training providers’ homepages and course catalogues.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.