News

Pioneering new approaches to the integration of people who have been sentenced: Key insights for correctional professionals across Europe
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance vocational education and training within the correctional sector, the IPS-partnered PROMOTE initiative has successfully concluded its initial phase of comprehensive research and development. This lays the foundation for a unique European skills ecosystem dedicated to improving the integration of people who have been sentenced.

Older women in prison: Exploring intersectional vulnerabilities and sharing insights with the scientific community
Two high-profile scientific events provided a platform for presenting the ongoing doctoral research carried out by IPS’ PhD fellow, Sílvia Bernardo. The presentations underscored the importance of recognising individuals in situations of special vulnerability in prison—particularly older women—while calling for transformative change in justice systems.

IPS-partnered initiative using VR technology to reduce reactive aggression in prisons awarded “Best Innovation Project” in Romania
The National Administration of Prisons awarded the VR4Project for its innovative use of virtual reality (VR) technology to address reactive aggression among incarcerated individuals, through direct engagement with both the prison population and staff.

Transforming Correctional Systems: HORUS 360º iOMS at the 25th CTA Technology Summit
IPS/ICJS participated in the 25th Corrections Technology Association (CTA) Technology Summit as Gold Sponsors, contributing to discussions around this year’s theme on transformative technologies in corrections with its intelligent Offender/Jail Management System.

IPS Supports EU Knowledge Hub with training on radicalisation prevention
IPS joined the training team of the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation, delivering three training sessions to newcomers in Helsinki, Paris, and Athens.

Rethinking reactive aggression: Innovation and rehabilitation in prison settings
Promoted by IPS_Innovative Prison Systems as part of the European VR4React initiative, a national-wide event that took place in Alcoente, Portugal, brought together close to 40 participants from various prisons, academics in corrections, and NGOs across the country to explore rehabilitation programmes for incarcerated individuals, professional development for staff and the use of virtual reality tools in correctional settings to reduce reactive aggression.

JUSTICE TRENDS Magazine and ICPA announce strategic alliance to deliver comprehensive global insights to corrections professionals
This agreement supports JUSTICE TRENDS Magazine’s commitment to informing the corrections community about trends, challenges, and best practices, and offers both organisations new ways to contribute to meaningful progress in the field.

New IPS-led initiative unites efforts to protect religious communities, schools, and places of worship
IPS kicked off a new partnered initiative aimed at protecting some of the most important, yet vulnerable spaces in our communities across Europe, combining security with communitarian-led efforts.

Strengthening the implementation of Framework Decisions 2008/947 and 2009/829 in the EU Towards a more humane and effective rehabilitation system
IPS_Innovative Prison Systems is partnering in a new European initiative aimed at ensuring that justice and rehabilitation practices are equitable, effective, and respectful of fundamental rights.

IPS contributes to shaping EU’s future agenda on radicalisation prevention at Brussels Town Hall meeting
IPS_Innovative Prison Systems took part in the first EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation Town Hall Meeting in Brussels, joining around 100 key stakeholders from across Europe. The event brought together representatives of EU Member States, policymakers, researchers, and field practitioners to exchange perspectives and contribute to the design of the forthcoming EU Agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism.

Enhancing child-friendly juvenile correctional training across Europe: IPS presents key findings at CRS 2025
At the 4th Correctional Research Symposium (CRS), hosted by the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), The European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services (EuroPris), and Northern Ireland’s Prison Service, IPS_Innovative Prison Systems took the stage to highlight the results of the ARISA Child project, which tackles a critical gap in staff training for those working with justice-involved children across Europe.

Strengthening refugee youth integration: A holistic, community-led approach
An IPS-partnered initiative is advancing Europe’s efforts to integrate youngsters in refugee-like situations through in-person training events that promote a communitarian and holistic approach – empowering refugees as active participants in their integration, while engaging civil society in fostering supportive, welcoming communities.

Building pathways to crime prevention through Community Policing and Rehabilitative Justice
Experts from law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the research sector came together for an awareness event on Community Policing and Rehabilitative Justice, organised by IPS_Innovative Prison Systems in partnership with the Netherlands Police – NPN. The discussions centered on new and effective strategies for preventing crime and building safer communities.

IPS at the National Police Headquarters of the Netherlands to advance Rehabilitative Justice and Community Policing in Europe
IPS_Innovative Prison Systems joined 17 international partners, including the Brussels Police, at the National Police Headquarters of the Netherlands as part of the IPS-partnered initiative KOBAN. The event marked a significant step in reinforcing cross-border collaboration on Community Policing and Rehabilitative Justice across Europe.

New technical guide launched to support Prison Services in procuring Offender Management Systems
A new technical guide has been released to support European correctional authorities in selecting and implementing Commercial Off-The-Shelf Offender Management Systems solutions. Authored by correctional technology experts, the 90+ page publication includes a practical vendor assessment tool and covers procurement best practices, technical requirements, and strategic guidance.

Advancing rehabilitation and countering contemporary extremist threats: IPS at the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation Thematic Panels
As a partner in the European Commission’s EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation, IPS joined researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe in Brussels to discuss effective rehabilitation strategies and responses to contemporary extremist threats.

Child-friendly justice in practice: An online training for professionals working with convicted children
An IPS-partnered initiative has developed a comprehensive online training course for professionals working with convicted children, offering juvenile justice services an accessible and updated program focused on implementing measures within a child-friendly justice framework.

IPS participates in Prison Reform Dialogue in Peru
Organised by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) of Peru, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank, the high-level event brought together national authorities and international experts to discuss key priorities for prison system reform. Pedro das Neves, CEO of IPS_Innovative Prison Systems, participated in the panel on Digital Transformation, where he shared insights on the critical role of technology in advancing prison management.