Projects
Dialogue Trainer – CEP Simulations
CEP has launched the initiative to strengthen training and education of probation workers in the different EU member states. The CEP aims for a more permanent network of organizations to exchange expertise on pre-employment training and in-career further professional development in probation.
The general objective of the project
The general objective of the project was to develop one simulation per country, based on the principle of creating an effective working alliance between probation workers and clients. Effective in the sense that the working alliance matches the dual role of control and support that characterizes the work of community supervision of clients. The combination of counseling and control requires extra attention in establishing a working alliance.
In working with mandated (involuntary) clients, goals can differ, and clients can show reactance against the constraints. Therefore, one cannot presume the intention of the client to collaborate from the start. This is one of the key features of probation that is addressed in this project: how to learn to build an effective working alliance from the start of a professional-client relationship that fits the dual role of control and support that characterizes the work of community supervision.
Simulations were experienced as an effective training intervention, as they allow professionals to gain experience with the dynamics of building a working alliance in a safe learning environment that adds measurement.
Project execution
In the period from March to November 2022, a pilot project was done to create simulations on the DialogueTrainer platform with four European member states: Estonia, Romania, Finland and Catalunya.
The objective of this project was to:
- To create four online, playable conversation simulations in local languages, with English translations;
- To learn how online conversation training is appreciated by players and what they learn from playing.
To include local expertise, experts from the member states were trained to develop simulations on the platform, guided by professionals from the HU – Hogeschool Utrecht – and DialogueTrainer. These simulations were consecutively tested with 10-50 participants per local organization to evaluate effects and appreciation as a learning tool.
As a common context, the cases were defined as ‘getting to an agreement for a community supervision plan’ for a medium-risk client without predominating addiction or mental health problems. Combined with local expertise, two overarching principles were chosen which the simulations gave feedback about, namely:
- Building an effective working alliance;
- Using the principles of Motivational Interviewing.
As a result of the project, a learning module was created which includes the four local simulations including translations in English.
Do you want to try it for yourself? Play a scenario:
On 25th November 2022 the Dialogue Training meeting took place in Utrecht. The coordinators from the involved countries (Finland, Estonia, Spain-Catalonia, Romania) met to discuss the results and the future of the project.
You can find the final report here.
For more information please contact CEP Secretariat at secr@cep-probation.org.
Our knowledge of Education and Training
Related News
Check out the latest news and updates on this project’s focus area.
Probation outside Europe
Honouring Community Volunteers: CEP and Japan Hogoshi Federation sign new Affiliation Agreement
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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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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”
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