Prison and probation: tackling needs of non-nationals, older people and women

The increasing diversity of the population imprisoned or on probation is creating increasing challenges both for the individuals concerned by these measures and for the management of prisons and agencies in charge of community sanctions and measures.

This is the main focus of the Council of Europe 31st Conference of directors of prison and probation services taking place in Valletta, Malta on 3 and 4 June, which is examining how to address the needs and vulnerabilities of individuals in prison or on probation, with a particular focus on older individuals, women and foreign nationals.

The conference, hosted by the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment of Malta and the Maltese Correctional Services Agency, is an opportunity for managers of prison and probation services from the 46 Council of Europe member states to share experiences and good practices.

Evolving prisoner demographics creating new challenges

Foreign nationals represent a significant proportion of the prison population in many countries - 50% or more of prisoners in 10 European prison systems. These prisoners face language barriers, geographical distance from their families, and social isolation, and have specific needs, such as access to translation services, means of communication, and freedom of religion.

According to the Council of Europe's recently published 2025 Annual Penal Statistics on prison populations (SPACE I), the proportion of older detainees is increasing. Although the overall proportion of elderly inmates remains modest, in the future, this trend may have significant implications for prison systems, considering the often complex needs and vulnerabilities of older prisoners as regards health needs, chronic illnesses, cognitive decline and reduced mobility.

Women represent a small proportion of the prison population - around 5.2% on average in Europe. Participants in the conference are examining the gender-specific dimension of prison and probation sentences and sharing knowledge and experiences on the needs and vulnerabilities of women in detention.

Overcrowding could undermine the functioning and purpose of imprisonment

Speaking at the opening, the Head of Department on deprivation of liberty of the Council of Europe and Executive Secretary to the Committee for the prevention of torture (CPT), Hugh Chetwynd, stressed the important implications that the needs of foreign nationals, women and older individuals present to prison and probation services. Regarding foreign prisoners, he pointed out the challenge for prison and probation staff of working with individuals, many of whom will be liable for removal at the end of their sentence, since the management of sentences is based on the fact that individuals will reintegrate into the communities from which they came before their conviction.

More generally, he underlined the crucial role that healthcare services play in prisons in preventing ill-treatment and improving the quality of life of prisoners, the working conditions of prison staff, and public health once these individuals are released. He also warned that the persistent and increasing overcrowding in many prison systems threatens to undermine the functioning and purpose of imprisonment. Tackling prison overcrowding is a Council of Europe priority, he said.

A modern correctional system must do more than just manage

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment of Malta, Joyce Dimech, highlighted that prisons and probation services often encounter people whose lives are shaped by mental health conditions, trauma, disability, age or displacement. "Are our systems designed for all the people in our care?" she asked. "A modern correctional system must do more than just manage. We must ensure that no individual is left behind simply because the system was not designed with them in mind", she said, which implies "drawing on the Council of Europe's guidance - not just as a reference, but as a driver for real, practical change on the ground".

The event also explores the way prison and probation services can improve their cooperation to ensure continuity of care for individuals returning to the community after imprisonment. It examines the need for coordinated planning, information sharing, and cooperation to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending, focusing on access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities after release.

Also on the agenda is a presentation of the latest Council of Europe standards on artificial intelligence, education in prison and mental health, and on how to integrate them at the national level.

The CEO of the Correctional Services Agency of Malta, Christopher Siegersma, delivered the keynote speech, focusing on the Maltese penitentiary system.

Mr Siegersma and Dr Alan Mitchell, President of the CPT, will speak at the closing of the event.

Find out more about the conference

Learn more about the Council of Europe's work on standards in the prison system