Previous Article
News
Envisaging Probation in 2030
For the latest edition of ICPA’s journal “Advancing Corrections” Steve Pitts and Leo Tigges were invited to write an article envisaging Probation in 2030 – “Pitfalls and Possibilities”. Both authors are closely connected to CEP, Steve as Ambassador and Leo as former Secretary-General and Honorary member of our organisation.
We in the CEP are happy to collaborate with our partners across the world. One of our partners is ICPA*.
The authors hope to stimulate debate on several topics including effective practice and the interaction between probation services and their communities to strengthen rehabilitative cultures, opportunities and processes supportive of desistance, and the strength of communities themselves. The authors also consider what factors encourage success in probation capacity building and a related question of strengthening international learning and practice and knowledge exchange. In asking these questions they take account of global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the influence of regional organisations including the Council of Europe, and the diversity of regions, nations and jurisdictions, for example in judicial and political climate. The authors will return to many of these questions in a report to follow based on their current research.
The subject of the article is important enough to extend the audience via the CEP network. Further, in their article the authors stress the imperative of building a closer and more intense working relationship worldwide of regional and other representative umbrella organisations for probation. As a sign that in CEP we share and implement this idea, we asked permission from the editor of Advancing Corrections, Dr. Frank Porporino, to reprint this article in CEP’s Newsletter. We thank ICPA for their agreement and we are pleased to quote Frank’s remarks made in his Foreword to Edition 11-2021 of Advancing Corrections:
Steve Pitts & Leo Tigges know about the workings of probation and community corrections much beyond the borders of where they live. They summarize what we know about effective practice, outlining the array of evidence and international practice guidance that underpins much of the work of probation, but while recognizing what Fergus McNeill and others have pointed to astutely that “Desistance is bigger and broader than a professional practice process.” The paper acknowledges that there is a possible ‘pessimistic’ scenario should economies unravel post-Covid and ‘monitor & control’ ideologies begin to strengthen. However, the paper excels in setting forth the steps that could be taken in arriving at the more optimistic scenario. As the Authors summarize, that scenario would mean that “In envisioning 2030, we aspire to a situation in which community-based provision has a substantially higher profile than is often now the case…with a significantly greater proportion of cases relative to prison than at present…(and where) services have sufficient and well-trained staff…who manage risk and compliance in ways that are procedurally just…embrace technology positively and engage fully with communities, including volunteers…(and where) ….global learning is supported by improved sharing and policy exchange, informed by research…including service user co-production…,(and) guided by international standards that reflect human rights and are sensitive to global diversity.”
ICPA* International Corrections and Prisons Association
Click here to access the full report.
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.