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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.

 

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