Webinar on Alternatives to Detention 2026
CEP is pleased to invite you to the first webinar in the CEP Webinar Series 2026, taking place on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at 14:00 CET. This webinar introduced a unique programme developed by the Meuse Probation Service, which was awarded the CEP Award 2025 in the category of Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion (The Sue Hall Award).
Program
Webinar Speaker
Marina Pajoni, Deputy Head of the Sentence Pathways Unit, French Prison and Probation Services
Webinar Topic
Problem-Solving Justice in Practice: The Meuse Probation Service’s Approach to Drug Addiction
For several years, professionals in care, probation, and justice have observed a growing trend of addictive behaviors in the northern region of the Meuse department, under the jurisdiction of the Verdun judicial court. In response, the Meuse Probation Service, in partnership with the French Ministry of Justice, has launched an innovative problem-solving justice program focused on drug-related offenses.
Program Objectives
- Prevent recidivism among individuals convicted of drug-related offenses.
- Support individuals through collaboration with multidisciplinary professionals to help them overcome delinquency.
- Build strong inter-institutional partnerships based on a collaborative, motivational, pragmatic, and rehabilitative approach, enabling participants to progress through the program successfully.
Registration
Registration is free of charge and closes on 22 January 2026 at 10 am CET.
Recap
Attended by more than 35 participants from across Europe and world, it aimed to explore how a problem solving justice approach to drug related offences contributes to preventing reoffending through strong multidisciplinary cooperation and a clear rehabilitative focus. The programme offers a combination of social support and judicial supervision. In addition to probation practitioners, the specialists working within the programme are specialized in addictology, criminology, victimology, motivational interviewing etc.
The system is based on a 10‑point model designed to ensure effective, fair, and problem-solving justice. All activities take place under the supervision of a judge, guaranteeing accountability and legal oversight. The process unfolds within a fair and public judicial court, ensuring transparency and respect for legal standards. A key component of the model is the specialization of professionals, allowing judges, probation officers, and partner organizations to work with targeted expertise. The approach focuses on problem solving approach. The system incorporates intermediate sanctions and rewards, creating a balanced response that motivates positive behavior change. To simplify access, services are coordinated through a single window or service point, making it easier for participants to receive the support they need. This model relies on partnership‑based work, involving justice actors, probation services, and external partners in health, employment, and housing. In this way, the justice system becomes integrated into the local community, strengthening social support networks and long-term reintegration. Participants undergo regular drug testing when necessary, supporting compliance and treatment goals. Finally, the framework recognizes progress through desistance rituals, symbolic moments marking change, accountability, and personal growth.
The programme is implemented within the 6 probation centres across Frances with 7 more in the implementation stage.
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