Previous Article
News
Georgia invites international experts to Batumi
The Georgian Probation Service was established in 2001 and became a separate department of the Ministry of Justice. Since October 2010, the Agency is a member of CEP and has taken the initiative to organize an international conference in Batumi, Georgia. The event aimed to stimulate the exchange of best practices in probation between Georgia and Europe.
Entering the international stage
Scene of the conference was the harbour city of Batumi at the coast of the Black Sea, where approximately 40 Georgian, European and American guests convened on 25 to 27 March 2011. The Conference was opened by Khatuna Kalmakhelidze, Minister of Corrections, Probation and Legal Assistance. Among guests were other representatives from the Georgian government. Head of the Division of International and Public Relations and IT Technologies of National Probation Agency Sofia Tutisani elaborates on the Georgian’s intentions. “In 2010 the National Probation Service became a legal entity of public law and is a part of the Ministry of Corrections and Legal Assistance. As a relatively young service, the Agency is very curious to learn about practices in Europe. We also wanted to present our system to others. It is for these reasons that we have asked experts to come to our offices and give presentations.”
“We were very glad that CEP President Marc Ceron was present,” says Sofia Tutisani, “as well as other CEP Experts. In fact, everyone’s contribution was greatly appreciated. Particularly the discussion of themes such as community sentences, rehabilitation and electronic monitoring were very interesting. So not only the discussions, but also organizing this conference was a learning experience in itself.”
Not afraid to try something new
The Georgian National Probation Agency, along with its Ministry are developing in very fast and there is something that can be learned from that, too. One of the presenters was Rait Kuuse, consultant in the field of probation, and since 2009 working as Key-expert on Probation for the EU project on capacity building in the rule of law in Georgia. “In the years I have been in Georgia, I saw how the basis for good probation services was created. The speed and they way the Agency has applied itself to its task is remarkable. The Georgians are not afraid of solutions that are new to them. This is something other European countries can learn from.”
The system, however, has a long way to go. The case load is very high and the resources are limited. How can the Agency go forward? In Rait Kuuse’s view, the membership to CEP can help the process. “This conference,” concludes Rait Kuuse, “is an opportunity for the Agency to pro-actively acquire knowledge and to face the challenge. Georgia has to prioritize what has to be done first.”
CEP was also consulted in the preparations of the conference and Marc Ceron featured in the Georgian media. When a local TV station reported on the conference, Mr. Ceron expressed his positive impression of the conference.
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.
Recap
Electronic monitoring, Technology
14th Electronic Monitoring Conference, Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality
08/10/2026
On 6-8 October 2026, Antalya hosted the 14th Electronic Monitoring Conference “Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality”. More than 350 participants coming from 30 countries across Europe and worldwide representing probation services, Ministries of Justice, victims´ services, EM providers, researchers as well as local participants representing the Turkish Prison and Probation Service gathered to discuss how electronic monitoring (EM) is understood by all stakeholders involved including the victims and the public, and how these perceptions compare to the evidence and experiences of those affected. While the gap between perception and reality in electronic monitoring has been recognised for over a decade, the rapid expansion of EM into areas such as victim protection, high-risk supervision and digital innovation has brought new challenges and questions to the forefront.
Recap
ITSCCS
Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona
05/10/2026
The sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills (ITSCCS) took place in Barcelona from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 26 participants for a week of learning, practical training and international exchange. Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the programme focused on “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.”
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA workshop on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 in Bucharest
02/10/2026
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades, Ambassador Gerry McNally and Policy Officer Mirka Jakesova participated in the Seminar on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU organized under the EU project run by the Academy of European Law on 28-29 September in Bucharest, Romania. The seminar brought together judges, prosecutors, probation practitioners, academics, and policy experts to discuss the growing role of alternatives to detention within European criminal justice systems.
New
CEP
CEP and Catalan justice leaders reaffirm longstanding cooperation
29/09/2026
Representatives of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) met with senior officials from the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality in Barcelona on 28 September 2026, alongside the opening of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. The meeting offered an opportunity to recognise a longstanding partnership and discuss its continued development.
Updated
Mental Health
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Pilot Implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum
29/09/2026
Good news for CEP members! Following requests from our members, CEP has extended the deadline to apply for the pilot implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.
Recap
ITSCCS, Technology
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
28/09/2026
How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.