Previous Article
News
Romania helps Armenia in developing probation to European standards
During the 21st and 25th of October 2013, the Romanian Probation Department hosted the study visit of a delegation of five judicial system representatives from Armenia, event which was possible with the support of Council of Europe, within the framework of the project Reducing the use of custodial sentences in line with European standards, financed thanks to the generous voluntary contribution of Norway, through the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Project aims at bringing the Armenian prison system closer to the European Prison Rules and other European Probation Rules and other Recommendations of the Council of Europe and the standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and best European practices.
The Project focuses on raising awareness on the effectiveness of alternative sanctions and measures, on the need to extend the use of such sentences and on the importance of establishing a mechanism for supervision of the implementation of non-custodial sentences.
The Armenian authorities’ representatives expressed interest in terms of Romanian probation system, in particularly regarding the establishment of the probation services, the developing stages and good practices in the field, the legal and institutional framework governing the probation activities and in this respect Probation Department contributed with its own expertise.
The delegation was led by Mr. Hayk Khemchyan, Senior Project Officer of Council of Europe and was composed by the Head of Division for Penitentiary Legal Reforms, the Head of the Division for Implementation of Alternative Sanctions, Criminal – Executive Department, a judge from Court of General Jurisdiction, a prosecutor from General Prosecutor’s Office and a chairman from Civil Society Institute.
During the visit, the delegates participated to working meetings and discussions with representatives of probation system, both from central and local level, in order to get acquainted with legal regulations and practice on probation. The debates were related not only to organizing and functioning of Romanian probation system in the present, but also to the new challenges brought by the New Criminal Code and by the New Probation Law for the Romanian probation services. An important issue addressed during the meetings was the involvement and the support of the community institutions and the NGO’s into the rehabilitation of the offenders.
As well, the members of the delegation had the opportunity to meet judiciary representatives (judges, prosecutors, legal advisers, probation counsellors), NGO’s and prison services representatives, and to visit National Prison Administration, The Romanian Group for the Defence of Human Rights, a probation service and two courts. Within these meetings, the discussions were focused on the cooperation between probation services, judiciary institutions and other stakeholders involved in the social reintegration of offenders.
In such circumstances, the delegates acquainted the probation activities and obtained a complete view of the Romanian probation system.
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.
New
Victims rights
Adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive and call for evidence on EU strategy on victims’ rights
05/08/2026
The Council of the European Union has formally approved a new directive strengthening the rights of victims of crime across the EU. The updated law improves access to information, support, and protection by introducing an EU-wide victim support helpline (116 006), making it easier to report crimes through digital tools, strengthening safeguards for victims’ personal data, expanding child-friendly support services, improving access to legal aid, and helping ensure that victims receive compensation more quickly.
This directive updates the 2012 EU Victims’ Rights Directive and aims to ensure that victims receive more consistent and effective support across all Member States. Following its publication in the Official Journal, Member States will have 24 months to transpose the new rules into national law. For more information, see the Council of the European Union’s press release: Council greenlights law reinforcing protection of victims’ rights and check out the revised Victims’ Rights.
Probation Journal
juvenile offenders, Probation in Europe
Overview of Probation Procedures for Juveniles and Adults in Albania
22/07/2026
The Albanian Probation Service plays an important role in the implementation of alternative sanctions and measures for both juveniles and adults. Through supervision, assessment, and rehabilitation-oriented interventions, the Service aims to support compliance with court decisions, reduce the risk of reoffending, and promote the successful reintegration of individuals into society.
Community Sanctions and Measures
Nelson Mandela day
18/07/2026
Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that justice is not only about accountability – it is also about hope. Mandela believed in the dignity of every person and in the possibility of change. These principles are at the heart of probation.
Across Europe, probation professionals work every day to support people in taking responsibility for their actions, rebuilding their lives and successfully reintegrating into their communities. By promoting rehabilitation, social inclusion and human dignity, probation helps reduce reoffending and contributes to safer, more resilient societies.
New
CEP
Meet Ruth Armstrong, CEP’s new Research Policy Officer
14/07/2026
In early July 2026, Ruth Armstrong joined CEP as a Research Policy Officer. This is a new part-time role supporting the implementation of CEP’s Research and Development Strategy. Working with the Secretary General and the Expert Group on Research, Ruth will coordinate CEP’s research activities, exploring and building partnerships in research between academics and practitioners across Probation in Europe where members access, question and use evidence in their everyday work.
Recap
CJPE summer course, Gender-based violence
She Matters: Advancing Gender-Responsive Criminal Justice Through Cross-Sector Learning in Barcelona.
13/07/2026
From 7 to 10 July 2026, more than 60 criminal justice professionals from across Europe and beyond gathered in Barcelona for the 8th Criminal Justice Platform Europe (CJPE) Summer Course, hosted by the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE) of the Government of Catalonia. Bringing together professionals from probation, restorative justice and prisons, the Summer Course once again demonstrated the unique value of cross-sector learning, international cooperation and professional exchange.
Reading corner
Probation in Europe
Dohľad
08/07/2026
The authentic world of probation and mediation, in which professional work intersects with human destinies, is brought to you by the publication through case studies revealing the diverse life stories of convicts and the dynamics of their relationship with probation and mediation officers.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.