Previous Article
News
What is DialogueTrainer and how does it innovate conversation practice?
At the training and education Network of the CEP in November 2020, we were invited to share the use of DialogueTrainer, an online simulation platform which professionals and students can engage in challenging conversations with virtual characters.
Article written by Michiel Hulsbergen and Joep Hanrath.
What is DialogueTrainer and how does it innovate conversation practice?
The University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, in cooperation with Probation and Child Protection Services developed scenarios to enhance conversation techniques.
The challenge we face is to get students well prepared for the rather complex task of engaging in and structuring a conversation with an offender. Roleplay is a classical form but online simulation adds a new element. It offers a safe learning environment, in which users are immersed in challenging cases and engage and actively test their assumptions about what works. In a simulated dialogue, players choose between answer options based on prevalent learning objectives and a validated best-practice approach, defined with experts. Each choice results in a different interaction and has an effect on what is achieved in the conversation. Players learn by seeing the effect of their choices and through scores and feedback, which are based on theory.
It offers:
- A secure learning environment
- Reflection on action, in action, by actively choosing between approaches
- Seeing the effect of an approach, as feedback on decisions and underlying assumptions, to explicate challenges
For professionals online simulation offers the possibilities to develop skills on effective correctional practices as well as linking tacit knowledge to evidence based expertise. If simulations are played by a team of professionals simultaneously then this structures the discussion about different interventions. What kind of outcome follows from this answer option and how does it fit in the goals you strive for? These discussions help norm finding on desired conversation outcomes.
Do you want to try for yourself? Play the scenarios:
- Domestic violence, first conversation of a Mother with Child Protection Services
- Domestic violence, first conversation with an offender to write an advisory report on conditional release.
Michiel Hulsbergen, Dialogue Trainer
Joep Hanrath, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Forensic Social Work
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
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Community Sanctions and Measures, Framework Decisions, Technology
Future of Criminal Justice: CEP’s Contribution to Key 2025 Dialogues
27/01/2026
Throughout 2025, CEP and its representatives actively participated in the online Technical meetings ahead of the HLF as well as the High Level Forum on Future of Criminal Justice taking place on 4-5 March 2025, 20-21 May 2025 and 1-2 October 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
Recap
Alternatives to pre-trial detention
Recap: Webinar on Alternatives to Detention 2026
26/01/2026
On Thursday 22 January, CEP hosted the first webinar of 2025 on the topic of Alternatives to Detention. The session led by Ms. Marina Pajoni from the French Prison and Probation Service titled „Problem Solving Justice in Pracitce: The Meuse Probation Service´s Approach to Drug Addiction“ introduced an innovative programme developed by the Meuse Probation Service in close cooperation with the French Ministry of Justice.
New
Education and Training
CEP launches an interactive European map of probation education and training institution contacts
22/01/2026
The CEP is pleased to inform its members that a new dedicated section has been developed on the CEP website featuring an interactive map of Europe.
New
CEP Events
CEP activity calendar 2026
20/01/2026
As we begin the new year, we would like to thank all CEP members, partners, and participants for your continued engagement and valuable contributions. Your involvement plays an essential role in shaping CEP’s work and activities.
We are pleased to share the CEP calendar for 2026, which provides an overview of the events planned for the year ahead. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcoming you to upcoming CEP activities throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of the CEP community.
New
CEP members, Gender-based violence
Interventions Alliance’s Eden House Recognized as Outstanding
15/01/2026
CEP is delighted to share that Eden House, an Interventions Alliance residential service for women with high-risk or complex needs on probation, has been rated “Outstanding” overall by HM Inspectorate of Probation. In 2022, Eden House was honored with the CEP Public Protection Award. Our sincere congratulations to the team for this remarkable achievement.
New
Education and Training
The Judicial Training Dashboard
14/01/2026
The European Training Platform (ETP) is a search tool for justice professionals. You can find self-learning materials on a great variety of EU law practice areas and related topics, as well as links to training providers’ homepages and course catalogues.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.