On 10 and 11 June 2024 Prague hosted the CEP Workshop on Working with Communities and Awareness Raising in Probation with more than 45 participants from 16 European countries. Colleagues from PR and communication departments, head of probation services, representatives of Ministries of Justice, probation practitioners, representatives of both local and international NGOs, and researchers participated in this interactive event that focused on the importance of putting the probation in the spotlight not only from criminal justice partners but also from the community and media.
“The Czech Republic is one of the most punitive nations in Europe and the world.” – Eva Krulichova
“We are not powerless a quote to commemorate the European Day for Crime Victims” – Andrea Matoušková
“Prison is a mirror of society” – Michal Chroscielewski
The workshop touched upon a variety of topics from different perspectives. Researches on the public opinion on probation and its outcomes were presented, projects, initiatives and activities taken by the probation organisations to raise awareness on what the essence of probation is, a necessity to link with various stakeholders, not closing and stepping outside the comfort zone. The role of NGOs and their crucial place within the criminal justice system by providing additional services and working alongside probation organisations in order to fulfill the gap in the services missing.
“You are ambassadors of the probation services” – Vesna Zelić Ferenčić,
The sun needs to grow and the same applies to probation organisations so lets go for it.
The report will be published soon.
Click here to view presentations
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.
Interventions Alliance has published a new evaluation of a Hub coordinated on behalf of police forces in the south of England, focused on tackling violence against women and children through a whole family approach. The Hub supports victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and works across policing, health and social services.
New updates from the European Commission highlight key priorities for judicial training in Europe, alongside new tools supporting transparency and access to data.
Today, 25 November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. It is a global reminder, recognised by UNESCO and the wider international community, of the urgent need to prevent violence, support those affected by it, and strengthen collective action. The day also opens the 16 Days of Activism, a worldwide campaign that calls for sustained engagement to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
From 18-20 November 2025, 15th Plenary Meeting of the Council for Penological Co-operation took part in Council of Europe, Strasbourg. CEP was represented by President Annie Devos, Vice-Presidents Danijela Mrhar Prelic (PC-CP member) and Daniel Danglades and Secretary General Jana Spero Kamenjarin.
The CEP Expert Group on Mental Health met on 19 November 2025 to continue its work on developing a European mental health training curriculum for probation officers. Since last year, the group has been working intensively and meticulously to produce a solid first version of the curriculum.
CEP has released the first cross-European study examining stress, burnout, and morale among probation staff. The report was produced by Professor Charlie Brooker, Professor Karen Tocque, Professor Ioan Durnescu and Liliana Lupsica, whose combined expertise in public health, criminology, and organisational analysis provides an important contribution to our understanding of well-being in probation work.
