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Projects

WayOut

The WayOut project – Integrated Exit Programme for Prisons and Probation – is fundamentally aimed at building a common framework to evaluate exit programmes along with the development of an innovative and integrated programme based on proven effectiveness approaches. Ultimately the project will improve and facilitate the implementation of exit programmes across the criminal justice system, namely in prison and probation settings. Hence, this project responds to one of the European Union’s security concerns: the problem of radicalisation leading to violent extremism.  The official project website can be opened via this link.

Objectives

  • To provide a detailed account of the current state of the art in deradicalisation research and other relevant disciplines related to desistance and rehabilitation;
  • To develop a common framework to systematically evaluate exit programmes;
  • To create an integrated programme based on approaches with proven effectiveness;
  • To develop a training course on exit strategies to practitioners;
  • To raise awareness among law enforcement officials about the benefits of implementing such programmes.

Expected outcomes

  • An improved and facilitated implementation of exit programmes that are based on approaches with proven effectiveness;
  • An increased awareness and understanding by the criminal justice professionals (judiciary, prisons, probation, and community organisations) about exit programmes;
  • An improved knowledge about the efficacy of exit programmes and of what works’;
  • A more capable prison staff to deal with inmates at risk of radicalisation or who are already radicalised;
  • Prisons and probation systems will implement the necessary and appropriate tools to analyse existing networks, collect information and develop communication processes between different organisations: community-prison-probation-police-intelligence services;
  • A better understanding of what works in the field of exit strategies at an European level;
  • The lessons learned from the project will feed into the European debate and inform policymakers, obtaining the confidence of judges, prosecutors and all those responsible for adopting these strategies, as well as the community at large.

Promoter

Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès, France

Partners

IPS_Innovative Prison Systems (Qualify Just – IT Solutions and Consulting Ltd), Portugal BSAFE LAB of UBI University, Portugal AVANS University of Applied Sciences – Centre of Expertise for Public Safety and Criminal Justice, The Netherlands De Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie – Le Service Public Federal Justice, Belgium Bremen Senate of Justice and Constitution, Germany Violence Prevention Network EV, Germany

Associated partners

CEP – Confederation of European Probation
EuroPris – European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services

Funding

Home Affairs – European Commission Internal Security Fund

Timeframe

01/12/2018 – 01/3/2021

Partner organisations

Our knowledge of Violent Extremism

The dangers caused by violent extremism in European countries are paramount concerns of the criminal justice system. Prison and probation programs are two working fields where radicalisation, as well as deradicalisation meet. It is therefore important that prison and probation programs play an effective role in preventing violent extremism and raising knowledge regarding (de) radicalisation.

Related News

Check out the latest news and updates on this project’s focus area.

Recap

CEP Events, Communication and Awareness-Raising

Recap: Conference on Public Perception of Probation

06/05/2025

From 6 to 7 May, the CEP Conference on the Public Perception of Probation in Europe took place in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together over 100 participants from more than 20 countries. The event offered space for open discussion, exchange of experiences, and practical ideas on how probation is seen and supported across Europe.

New

Probation in Europe

New Interview Online with Felix Gerike, a survivor of a knife attack

01/05/2025

What do victims of violent crime need to recover—and what can be done to prevent such attacks?

In the latest episode of Division_Y, Jo Tein, CEP board member, speaks with Felix Gerike, a survivor of the 2023 Brokstedt knife attack in Germany. Felix played a crucial role in disarming the attacker, helping to prevent further harm. He shares his personal experience, reflections on victim support, and his views on justice and policy responses to violent crime.

Probation in Europe

New Executive Summaries for the report on Building Probation Capacity in Spanish and Italian

01/05/2025

Updated

CEP Board, Probation in Europe

New Interview Online: Maren Michels – The Role of NGOs in Probation

22/04/2025

In the newest Division_Y interview, Maren Michels, director of the Hamburg Welfare Association, shares her experiences and reflects on the vital role that NGOs play in supporting people during and after incarceration.

New

CEP Events

Want to Win a CEP Award? See How Finland Did It – Apply for 2025!

22/04/2025

We’re excited to share an exclusive interview with the winners of the Development of National Probation Services Award from the CEP Awards 2022:
The Prison and Probation Service of Finland.

New

Volunteers

International Day for Community Volunteers

17/04/2025

 17 April – International Day for Community Volunteers!
Today, we celebrate the inaugural International Day for Community Volunteers Supporting Offender Reintegration—a day dedicated to acknowledging the vital contributions of volunteers who assist individuals in their journey back into society.​
This initiative was launched during the 2nd World Congress for Community Volunteers, held alongside the 6th World Congress on Parole and Probation in The Hague (16–18 April 2024).​
At CEP, we’re proud to support the official Declaration on the International Day for Community Volunteers. We’re also actively involved in the CoPPer project—a European initiative aimed at promoting community participation in probation services. CoPPer focuses on training volunteers to support individuals under supervision, helping them access education, employment, and community connections. ​
🎥 Hear from our Secretary General in this video, sharing why this day and the CoPPer project matter:
A heartfelt thank you to all the community volunteers out there—your dedication makes a real difference.​

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