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Recap: Third CEP webinar on the new European Mental Health Curriculum
On 21 May 2026, the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) hosted the webinar “The European Mental Health Curriculum for Probation Officers”, bringing together probation professionals, mental health experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe to present an innovative training initiative aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and competencies within probation services.
The webinar showcased the work of the CEP Expert Group on Mental Health, which has developed a comprehensive European curriculum designed to equip probation officers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to better understand and respond to mental health challenges among people under probation supervision.
The event was opened by CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin, followed by an introduction to the curriculum by Cristina Neves, Head of Service at the Directorate-General of Rehabilitation and Prison Services in Portugal and Chair of the CEP Expert Group on Mental Health. Neves outlined the rationale behind the initiative and highlighted the importance of strengthening mental health capacity within probation services across Europe.
Participants were then guided through the curriculum modules by members of the Expert Group representing probation services, academia, and international organisations from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Germany, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Poland, and the World Health Organization. The presentations provided insights into the curriculum’s structure, learning objectives, and practical applications for probation professionals working with individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
During the webinar, the upcoming call for piloting the implementation phase was presented, outlining opportunities for participation and collaboration in testing and refining the training programme.
The webinar concluded with a question-and-answer session, reflecting the strong interest among participants in advancing mental health-informed approaches within probation practice. The discussions highlighted a shared commitment across Europe to improving support for people under supervision and enhancing the capacity of probation professionals to respond effectively to mental health needs.
Through initiatives such as the European Mental Health Curriculum, CEP continues to promote knowledge exchange, professional development, and evidence-based practices that strengthen probation services and contribute to more inclusive and effective criminal justice systems across Europe.
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