Previous Article
News
Hogoshi: volunteer probation officers in Japan
The system of Volunteer Probation Officers (VPOs), or “Hogoshi”, in Japan is remarkable in its scale and range of duties. The VPO system is becoming increasingly well-known around the world, and the reasons are not difficult to understand.
VPOs in Japan are integral to the work of the probation services. Their central role is well-established, stemming from the first VPO Act in 1950 which allows for the appointment of 52,500 VPOs, a number which means they frequently offer the core and critical contact with justice-involved individuals in all but more serious cases.
VPOs are supported in their work by local and national Associations and guided and supported by formal arrangements with professional Probation Officers. Furthermore, the Japanese VPO system is complemented by other important volunteer organisations and about 22.000 “Cooperating Employers”.
Volunteers demonstrate the care of society, a belief that change is possible, and encourage optimism about an individual’s future. They also offer practical guidance and support in overcoming barriers to reintegration. As established members of the community, VPOs are well-placed to “demystify” probation practice and to encourage communities to accept and actively support reintegration.
Inspirational example
VPOs are an inspirational example of public participation in work with offenders. Their role is described in more detail in the “Hogoshi” brochure prepared by the Japanese Rehabilitation Bureau. The Bureau will host an important forum on probation volunteering, with contributions from around the world addressing topics including models, roles, training and support, and impact on inclusion and desistance, to be held during the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice which will take place, rescheduled dates to be notified, in Kyoto, Japan.
You can download the Hogoshi brochure here.
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
Electronic monitoring
Electronic Monitoring in Europe: Insights from the 13th Electronic Monitoring conference Questionnaire
30/03/2026
The 13th Electronic Monitoring (EM) conference Questionnaire has now been released, offering a comprehensive overview of how EM is applied across Europe today.ion.
New
CEP members
New CEP member: Guernsey Probation Service
25/03/2026
In recent weeks, CEP has interviewed individual members and representatives of the new member organisations that joined CEP at the beginning of 2026. In these interviews, the new member organisations or individual members will share information on why they decided to become members, how they would like to contribute to the development of CEP and many more.
Enjoy reading!
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Recap: CEP and APPA webinar
25/03/2026
Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) hosted the second joint webinar on 24 March 2026, this time on “Integrity of Performance: Ensuring Meaningful and Ethical Outcomes”.
The overarching theme of integrity of performance was explored through two distinct perspectives on this fundamental concept.
Recap
Communication and Awareness-Raising
Recap: Opening Doors to Second Chances: The Mission and Impact of Yellow Ribbon Run
25/03/2026
On Thursday 19 March, CEP hosted the second webinar of 2026 on the topic of Alternatives to Detention. The session led by Dr. Gabriela Slovakova from the Czech Probation and Mediation Service titled „Opening Doors to Second Chances: The Mission and Impact of Yellow Ribbon Run“ introduced the Yellow Ribbon project with a powerful message of second chances and fair opportunities.
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Žilvinas Miliauskas
17/03/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
Recap
Violent Extremism
Recap: Expert Group meeting on Violent Extremism
16/03/2026
On 12–13 March 2026, the Expert Group on Violent Extremism convened for an in‑person meeting in Bucharest, Romania. Hosted at the University of Bucharest, the meeting brought together practitioners and representatives from across Europe to finalise the overview of best practices for preventive interventions targeting juveniles and young adults up to the age of 26 under probation. Building on the extensive discussions and progress made in 2025, the group worked collaboratively to bring the document to completion.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.