Previous Article
News
Japan in full preparation for the 3rd World Congress on Probation
After having taken the initiative for the First International Congress on Probation (London 2013) and a successful Second World Congress on Community Corrections (Los Angeles 2015), CEP was very pleased to learn that the Rehabilitation Services of Japan will organise the Third World Congress on Probation in 2017. It is time to see how Japan is preparing for this big event. That is why CEP did an interview with Akiko Tashiro. One of the organisers of the Third World Congress on Probation.
In her daily life Akiko Tashiro is a probation officer at the Rehabilitation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice in Japan.” My current duties are policy planning and coordination of community volunteers involved in probation or community corrections. I’m also involved with public relations and raising public awareness of offenders’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society.”
Tashiro attended both the first and the second World Congresses on Probation. Those were eye-opening experiences to her. That is why she is honored to be able to organise this year’s event. To Tashiro the best part of the congress will be meeting with colleagues from all over the world. “Each country has its own unique history, political system, culture, etc., so we may also have different approaches in working with offenders. However, I firmly believe that our mission is universal.”
Theme
The theme of the Congress is ‘Development of Probation and the Role of the Community’. “The objectives of the Third World Congress are to contribute to the further development of probation and community corrections throughout the world by sharing knowledge and experiences, taking account of social and cultural diversity in each country. The main theme includes “the role of the community” because we believe in the importance of the active involvement of the community in the prevention of re-offending and the promotion of offender rehabilitation.”
Speakers
During the congress there will be an interesting group of main speakers as well. Dr. Frank Porporino (T3 Associates Training and Consulting Inc.) will be talking about the developments and challenges in probation practice. Is there a way forward for establishing effective and sustainable probation systems? Prof. Peter Raynor (Swansea University) will be giving you a tour through the history of effective probation and he will take a look at the future as well. Prof. Todd Clear (Rutgers University) will be talking about imagining probation values in alive everyday practice. The final main speaker will be Ms. Tomoko Akane (Ambassador for International Judicial Cooperation Japan). She will be talking about The future of probation: Asian experiences and the role of the community.
Japan
While visiting the Third World Congress on Probation, attendants will also get a good view on how probation in Japan works. “Japan has a unique probation system, which is largely supported by citizen-volunteers such as volunteer probation officers. We are looking forward to sharing our experiences with the participants of the congress.” That is why they arranged study tours through the probation system of Japan. “They will be able to visit places such as probation offices, rehabilitation support centers (centers for volunteer probation officers’ activities), halfway houses, volunteer probation officers’ homes (Japanese probation officers typically meet with probationers/parolees in their homes) and so on.”
Click here for more information on the Third World Congress in Japan.
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
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”
New
CEP
CEP annual report
07/04/2026
The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) has published its Annual Report 2025, showcasing a year marked by growth, cooperation, and continued commitment to strengthening probation across Europe.
Bringing together more than 100 member organisations across 42 countries and 59 jurisdictions, CEP continued to serve as a central platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and collaboration within the European criminal justice field.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.