60 specialists from all prisons and the National Administration of Penitentiaries (NAP) of the Republic of Moldova participated in training sessions on implementing the new Programme for rehabilitation of prisoners with alcohol addiction, which took place between February and March 2025 in Chișinău.

The activity facilitated by Council of Europe consultants,  focused on enhancing staff knowledge  of individual, group, educational, family, and spiritual therapies. Through simulations and case studies, participants enhanced their skills in applying evidence-based techniques and tools.

Developed jointly by Council of Europe consultants and a working group constituted together with the NAP, the programme was piloted in 4 prisons. Following its evaluation, validation as fit for purpose and approval by the NAP in 2024 the programme is now available for all the prions’ staff. The programme aims to reduce high-risk behaviours in prisons, raise awareness of substance abuse, and promote communication skills, mutual support, prosocial behaviour, and accountability.

This activity was organized under the Project “Further strengthening the prison and probation systems, the provision of health care and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova”, funded through the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2025-2028) and implemented by the Council of Europe.