Probation in the European landscape of criminal justice

The context in which the Probation institution is implemented is extremely complex, with facets originating in criminal law, criminology, penology, psychology, social work, sociology etc. Thus, to generate policies that lead to probation`s efficiency, specialists continuously raise a number of questions about the reasons why people commit crimes, the most effective methods of intervention to prevent the repeat of criminal behavior, the impact of offered services on victims, on the community as a whole and, not least, the costs and benefits arising from these services. Criminals, recognized as vulnerable persons, require specialized social services to overcome difficult situations, to prevent and combat the repeat of the criminal behavior, the risk of social exclusion, the increase of quality of life and to promote their social inclusion. These services must be a response adapted to the various social needs or vulnerable situations this group of persons is situated in.