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Probation library

Dohľad

The authentic world of probation and mediation, in which professional work intersects with human destinies, is brought to you by the publication through case studies revealing the diverse life stories of convicts and the dynamics of their relationship with probation and mediation officers.

The book Dohl’ad (in English: Supervision) offers not only a visual image of the work of an officer – from the first meeting to the creation and implementation of a probation plan – but also a reflection on the meaning and challenges of this profession. The stories, inspired by real practice, open the reader’s view into the world of clients, their problems, struggles and finding a way back into society. The author, PhDr. Alena Gulánová, PhD, Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic and CEP member, connects the description of specific situations with her professional observations and at the same time draws attention to broader contexts – the importance of cooperation with family, community, institutions or the need to maintain a balance between control and support for the client. The author combines practical experience with empirical data, making the publication not only a story about specific cases, but also a source for professional discussion and the development of research-based practice. The book brings not only engaging reading, but also valuable professional knowledge that can be used by students, beginning professionals and experienced workers in helping professions. It is intended for both professional and lay audiences – students of social work, law, psychology or police, educators, practicing professionals, but also relatives of probationers and everyone who wants to better understand what probation means as an alternative to serving a prison sentence.

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Probation library

Reading corner

Probation in Europe

Dohľad

08/07/2026

The authentic world of probation and mediation, in which professional work intersects with human destinies, is brought to you by the publication through case studies revealing the diverse life stories of convicts and the dynamics of their relationship with probation and mediation officers.

Probation Journal

CEP

New Publication: CEP, Probation and the Digital Future

02/07/2026

The latest issue of the Journal of Offender Monitoring features an English version of Gerry McNally’s chapter, CEP, Probation and the Digital Future, first published in 2023 as part of the Portuguese book Execução das Penas e Medidas na Comunidade no Futuro Digital, edited by Nuno Caiado.

Probation Journal

Framework Decisions

Exploratory Study on the possible Lisbonisation of ex-third pillar acquis in the area of mutual recognition in criminal matters published

23/06/2026

Commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) and undertaken by ICF SA in December 2023, the study, published in April 2026, assesses the mutual recognition of criminal decisions and cross-border cooperation on criminal matters.  

Reading corner

Violent Extremism

New newsletter available: EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation

11/05/2026

The latest edition of the EU Knowledge Hub newsletter brings together policy, research, and practice to address evolving radicalisation threats across Europe.

Probation Journal

Research

What is the societal value of probation?

04/05/2026

During the CEP 15th General Assembly and International Conference on Gender-Based Violence in Probation (from 14 to 16 October 2025 in Vienna, Austria), the Dutch research group Modelling Societal Impact received the CEP Probation Research Award for their work on the societal impact of the Dutch probation services. The research has since been completed. There are multiple reports published (in Dutch) and a short videocast with English subtitles. For anyone interested, see below an oversight of the published research and relevant links to the publications and videocast.

This research may help other European countries demonstrate the added value of probation for their national context. If you would like to learn more about this, please contact: a.a.nemeth@saxion.nl (dr.ir. Attila Németh) or a.visser@saxion.nl (Anouk Visser, MSc.)

Probation Journal

Women, youth

Understanding the needs of girls and young women in youth justice

10/03/2026

New research highlights the underlying needs that influence girls’ and young women’s contact with youth justice systems and calls for more gender responsive approaches in policy and practice. Drawing on a review of recent studies, the authors identify several factors shaping girls’ pathways into the justice system, including persistent abuse, trauma, gendered expectations, and systemic failures. Girls involved in youth justice are often affected by multiple forms of victimisation, such as sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, with experiences frequently beginning in early childhood.

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.

Reading corner

Criminal Justice

Bridging Research and Practice in Forensic Social Work: An interview with the editors of Forensic Social Work – Supporting Desistance

17/12/2025

Supporting desistance while managing risk is at the heart of criminal justice social work across Europe. In Forensic Social Work – Supporting Desistance, editors Jacqueline Bosker, Anneke Menger and Vivienne de Vogel bring together scientific insights and everyday professional practice to support those working with justice-involved individuals. In this interview, they reflect on the motivation behind the English edition of the book, its core themes, and how professionals can use its tools and approaches in their daily work.

Probation Journal

Domestic violence, Gender-based violence

New evaluation on whole family approach to domestic abuse

26/11/2025

Interventions Alliance has published a new evaluation of a Hub coordinated on behalf of police forces in the south of England, focused on tackling violence against women and children through a whole family approach. The Hub supports victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and works across policing, health and social services.

Reading corner

Probation in Europe

New Release: Forensic Social Work – Supporting Desistance

13/11/2025

This book, Forensic Social Work – Supporting Desistance, has been released by Routledge. It is a practice-oriented resource exploring how forensic social work can support desistance and foster meaningful change in the lives of justice-involved individuals.

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