News
Recap: CEP Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation Meets
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.
The programme featured a series of high-level expert contributions addressing key dimensions of mental health in probation:
- “Probation Staff Well-being” by Charlie Brooker (Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom)
- “Mental Health and Gender Perspective” by Gergana Manolova (Consultant in Mental Health at the World Health Organization, Bulgaria)
- “Revisiting Mental Health Research in Ireland” by Christina Power (Senior Clinical Psychologist, United Kingdom) and Gerry McNally (Former CEP President and Honorary Member)
These sessions fostered a rich exchange of knowledge and practice, highlighting both shared challenges and innovative approaches across European probation systems.
A central highlight of the meeting was the finalisation of the “European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.” This represents a major milestone for the Expert Group and a unique, high-value contribution to probation services across Europe. The curriculum provides a comprehensive, evidence-informed framework aimed at strengthening the capacity of probation staff to respond effectively to mental health needs.
Importantly, the curriculum will be officially published in the coming period, a significant step forward for the European probation community. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for its release.
In addition, the Expert Group, together with the CEP Presidium and Board, agreed to move forward with the European Mental Health Training Curriculum by initiating an implementation phase, including a pilot of the curriculum in practice. As part of the meeting, Anna Esquerrà Roqueta, CEP Policy and Liaison Officer, presented the next steps for dissemination, including the forthcoming call for pilot implementation. CEP will soon launch a call for CEP Members interested in piloting the curriculum, with co-financing support from CEP.
To further support dissemination and engagement, CEP will organise a webinar on 21 May for all CEP members. The webinar will present the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation staff, and provide detailed information on the call for pilot implementation.
Further discussions focused on dissemination strategies, the development of complementary guidance materials, and the strategic direction of the Expert Group for the coming years.
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of achievement and shared commitment. The delivery, and upcoming implementation, of this European training curriculum marks a significant advancement in supporting probation services to integrate mental health into practice, contributing to more effective, humane and responsive justice systems across Europe.
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.
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.
Recap
Communication and Awareness-Raising
CEP signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Yellow Ribbon Czechia
15/06/2026
On Thursday, 11 Jun 2026, CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin and Director of Yellow Ribbon Czechia Veronika Friebova confirmed its long-standing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding which outlines their shared goals and areas of collaboration.
Recap
Gender-based violence
Strengthening European Cooperation on Gender-Based Violence in Probation: CEP Meetings Held in Lisbon
10/06/2026
On 8 and 9 June 2026, CEP brought together practitioners, policymakers, researchers and partner organisations in Lisbon for two important meetings focused on strengthening the probation response to gender-based violence across Europe.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.