Previous Article
News
Cross-border launch of HELP Radicalisation Prevention course for CEP Probation Officers
On 11 February 2021, the Council of Europe HELP course on Radicalisation Prevention was launched for probation officers under the umbrella of CEP.
This launch was held in the framework of the EU-CoE project ´Radicalisation Prevention, Judicial response to Terrorism and International Cooperation in Criminal Matters (RP-TERR-ICCM)’.
The event was attended by 20 participants from different EU Member States: Austria, Croatia, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain. The purpose of this launch was to present the course and provide all the information regarding the project and the course; as well as creating a good opportunity for participants to meet each other (even virtually) and meet the tutors who will be guiding them through the course.
Opening and presentations
Willem van der Brugge, Secretary General of the CEP – partners in the project- and Eva Pastrana, Head of the HELP Unit, opened the event by welcoming all participants and explaining the relevance that the subject of radicalisation still has, as well as the importance of ensuring proper training and guidelines for probation officers and all those professionals dealing with radicalised individuals. HELP is the Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals, and increasingly other practitioners. It develops top online courses so that European human rights standards can be effectively applied by practitioners at the national level.
Eva Massa provided the background to the project and an overall picture of the HELP course on Radicalisation Prevention, which has already been adapted and implemented by 10 national institutions in different EU Member States.
This was followed by a presentation from Pedro das Neves, CEO of IPS Innovative Prison Systems, on ´integrated radicalisation prevention and exit interventions: new challenges for probation professionals´. He presented the different actions and programmes tackling radicalisation in prisons and probation, as well as rehabilitation of Violent Extremist Offenders (VEOS) in prison and probation services. He highlighted the competencies of probation staff: interpersonal, ethical and radicalisation-specific technical competencies, and the knowledge, skills and attitudes they require to deal with such issues.His completel presentation can be downloaded here.
The course itself and the HELP e-learning platform
The second part of the session allowed participants to interact with each other and with the tutors, Ioan Durnescu and Robert Örell, who took them through the course format, structure and content, encouraging participants to share ideas, expectations and best practices.
Although this CEP course version targets a selected group, the HELP online course on Radicalisation Prevention is available in 6 languages on the HELP e-learning platform, together with other HELP courses related to the project, namely: International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Gathering and Use of Evidence in Counter-terrorism cases and Managing Foreign National Prisoners.
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 outside Europe
Honouring Community Volunteers: CEP and Japan Hogoshi Federation sign new Affiliation Agreement
17/04/2026
On the occasion of the International Day for Community Volunteers (17 April), the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) highlights the significance of community engagement in supporting rehabilitation and social reintegration across the world.
New
Communication and Awareness-Raising
Call to take part in the Yellow Ribbon Run in Prague
16/04/2026
As part of its ongoing cooperation and support for the Yellow Ribbon project, CEP is pleased to invite nominations to support two participants wishing to join the Yellow Ribbon Run, taking place on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic.
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Day 2 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.
16/04/2026
brought further reflection and exchange on the role of probation and community-based approaches in supporting rehabilitation and social inclusion.
CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades continued their daily coverage on Division_Y, sharing key insights from discussions at the Congress.
A central theme highlighted during Day 2 was the importance of focusing on what works in practice, and how effective integration requires active participation in society. As discussed, professional probation practice is not only about systems and structures, but about placing the person at the centre, responding to individual needs, and recognising rehabilitation as a journey within the community.
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades also reflected on the role of community-based approaches such as the Japanese Hogoshi system, underlining the value of strong volunteer engagement in supporting reintegration.
The World Congress on Community Volunteers, held as part of the World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, was also highlighted during the day, with the session moderated by CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades. This further underlines CEP’s commitment to strengthening the role of community volunteers at an international level.
CEP continues to follow the Congress closely and will provide daily updates throughout the week until 17 April.
👉 Watch the English-language video here: https://youtu.be/VqfSwnvJQuw
👉 A German-language reflection from Day 2 by Laura Schneider (Bewährungs- und Gerichtshilfe Baden-Württemberg) is also available on the Referat_Y YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GOSOogfHleo
More information about the Congress: https://www.wcpp2026.id/
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Day 1 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole is underway in Bali, Indonesia
14/04/2026
Representing the Confederation of European Probation CEP, former board member Jo Tein, CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades are on site, sharing insights and reflections from this global gathering of probation and parole professionals.
Recap
Mental Health
Recap: CEP Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation Meets
14/04/2026
On 8–9 April 2026, the Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation convened in Dublin, Ireland, hosted by the Irish Probation Service. The meeting brought together 7 expert members from 7 European jurisdictions, Portugal, Ireland, Türkiye, Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland, England and Spain (Catalonia), alongside distinguished external speakers from international and academic institutions.
Chaired by Ana Cristina Neves, Head of Service at the Directorate-General of Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP), Portugal, the meeting provided a focused and collaborative space to reflect on the group’s progress, consolidate key outputs, and define strategic priorities for the upcoming 2026–2028 mandate.
New
Mental Health
Webinar Announcement: Mental Health in Probation
13/04/2026
We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming CEP webinar on 21st of May titled: “The European Mental Health Curriculum for Probation Officers”
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.