Previous Article
News
Mental Health & Probation: Expert Insights with Charlie Brooker and Coral Sirdifield
In a recent interview, Cristina Neves from the CEP Expert Groups on Mental Health spoke with Charlie Brooker and Coral Sirdifield, co-authors of the influential paper Best Practice in Working with People with Mental Health Problems on Probation. Their discussion provided powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities of addressing mental health within probation services.
Charlie and Coral emphasised that probation presents a unique opportunity to engage individuals who might otherwise not access mental health support. However, they also highlighted the gap between the needs of those on probation and the capacity of mainstream mental health services, particularly when dealing with mandated clients who often show low motivation for treatment.
A key takeaway from their research is the importance of stronger collaboration between mental health and justice sectors, aiming to tailor services for this complex population. They also discussed the pressing need for specialised training for probation officers and explored the potential of peer support and mentoring to foster better outcomes.
As we approach the Workshop on Mental Health Importance: Supporting Treatment Processes in Probation in Barcelona on 26-27 November 2024, these insights will be critical in shaping conversations on how to enhance support systems and reduce reoffending through targeted mental health interventions.
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
CEP
Delegation from Azerbaijan visits CEP Office in Utrecht
24/06/2026
On 23 June, a delegation from Azerbaijan visited the CEP office in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The delegation included representatives of the Probation Service, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a judge of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands. The visit to the CEP office was part of a broader learning programme with Reclassering Nederland.
New
CEP, Directors General Meetings
CEP Call for Applications – Training Opportunity for Directors General
24/06/2026
CEP is seeking 7 applications for an upcoming training programme, CEP Leadership Excellence Training, designed for a small group of Directors General or Deputy Directors General representing CEP member organisations. This training will take place on 19-21 October 2026, Zagreb, Croatia.
Probation Journal
Framework Decisions
Exploratory Study on the possible Lisbonisation of ex-third pillar acquis in the area of mutual recognition in criminal matters published
23/06/2026
Commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) and undertaken by ICF SA in December 2023, the study, published in April 2026, assesses the mutual recognition of criminal decisions and cross-border cooperation on criminal matters.
Recap
Communication and Awareness-Raising
Expert Group on Communication and Awareness-Raising
18/06/2026
On 16–17 June 2026, the CEP Expert Group on Communication and Awareness Raising met in Bristol, United Kingdom, for a face-to-face meeting. The meeting was hosted by Interventions Alliance and chaired by Michael Baker, Deputy Chief Executive and Lead for Research and Communications, who also leads the Expert Group. Suki Binning, Chief Executive Officer of Interventions Alliance, also joined parts of the programme and welcomed the group during the visit.
Recap
CEP members
CEP visits member Interventions Alliance
18/06/2026
On 16 June 2026, CEP Secretary General Jana Spero Kamenjarin and Communications Officer Hannan Amnad visited Interventions Alliance in the United Kingdom. During the visit, they met with Suki Binning, Chief Executive Officer, Ellie MacCarter, Chief Officer for Operations, Graham Wines, Chief Officer – People and Professional Standards, and Michael Baker, Deputy Chief Executive and Lead for Research and Communications, who also serves as Chair of CEP’s Expert Group on Communication and Awareness-Raising.
New
Reading corner
Technology
Beyond the Headset: What the VR-TooL Pilot tells us about the future of probation training
18/06/2026
This initiative is funded through the Erasmus+ project “Virtual Reality: A Tool in the Treatment of Offenders and Education of Probation Officers,” implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation of Croatia, ESC from Romania, and BeCure from Germany. It focuses on two main components: the development of VR content for offender rehabilitation programmes and VR-based training for probation officers.
The VR content is grounded in Core Correctional Skills and is designed to support both practical skill development and a rehabilitative approach. Virtual reality is introduced as an innovative complement to existing practice, enhancing offender treatment and professional training while supporting, rather than replacing, personal interaction.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.