The probation service works with people who are suspected or convicted of committing an offence. The overall goal of the probation service is to reduce the risk of recidivism and to promote rehabilitation of its clients (3RO, 2018). To this end, the probation service works with clients on risk management, behavioural change and improvement of living conditions. This often involves other organisations, such as forensic (addiction) care and various municipal institutions. In this study the results of a systematic literature review of the effective elements in probation supervision are described.
This involved searching for practices that have shown to be effective or of which can be concluded that, based on research, that they may be effective. The study further provides indications for practices that do not appear to have been effective. Then the background, objective and terms of reference pertaining to the research are described. Concluding with a reader’s guide that explains the structure of the remainder of this report.
Read the full report: here.
Jacqueline Bosker, Jolein Monnee-van Doornmalen, Renée Henskens, Denise van der Plaat
Date of publication: June 2020
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.
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.
New updates from the European Commission highlight key priorities for judicial training in Europe, alongside new tools supporting transparency and access to data.
Today, 25 November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. It is a global reminder, recognised by UNESCO and the wider international community, of the urgent need to prevent violence, support those affected by it, and strengthen collective action. The day also opens the 16 Days of Activism, a worldwide campaign that calls for sustained engagement to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
From 18-20 November 2025, 15th Plenary Meeting of the Council for Penological Co-operation took part in Council of Europe, Strasbourg. CEP was represented by President Annie Devos, Vice-Presidents Danijela Mrhar Prelic (PC-CP member) and Daniel Danglades and Secretary General Jana Spero Kamenjarin.
The CEP Expert Group on Mental Health met on 19 November 2025 to continue its work on developing a European mental health training curriculum for probation officers. Since last year, the group has been working intensively and meticulously to produce a solid first version of the curriculum.
CEP has released the first cross-European study examining stress, burnout, and morale among probation staff. The report was produced by Professor Charlie Brooker, Professor Karen Tocque, Professor Ioan Durnescu and Liliana Lupsica, whose combined expertise in public health, criminology, and organisational analysis provides an important contribution to our understanding of well-being in probation work.
