ICPA Attends 6th World Congress on Probation and Parole in The Hague
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ICPA's Executive Director, Natalie Boal, represented the organization at the congress and shared her insights. Natalie praised the event for its balanced approach, combining academic and practical presentations with perspectives from individuals with lived experiences in the probation and parole system.
The Congress also emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices in probation and parole. Discussions centred around the effectiveness of community-based orders compared to imprisonment, with evidence suggesting lower reoffending rates for those under community supervision.
Natalie stressed the significance of international collaboration in addressing common challenges faced by correctional systems worldwide. She noted that despite local differences, many countries grapple with similar issues in implementing community-based programs and managing offenders outside of prison settings.
The International Corrections and Prisons Association reaffirms its unwavering support for the World Congress on Probation and Parole. As a member of the organizational board, ICPA recognizes the invaluable role this biennial event plays in advancing global practices in community corrections.
ICPA is committed to fostering international dialogue and knowledge exchange in the field of corrections. We believe that platforms like the World Congress are essential for sharing best practices, discussing innovative approaches, and addressing the evolving challenges in probation and parole services worldwide.
By continuing to support and actively participate in the World Congress, ICPA aims to contribute to the development of more effective, humane, and evidence-based community corrections practices globally. We look forward to future congresses and the opportunities they bring for learning, collaboration, and driving positive change in our field.