From 16 to 24 September 2024, four teams of trainers composed of medical and non-medical professionals passed the knowledge on multidisciplinary management of prisoners with mental health problems to their peers from Botosani, Galati, Baia Mare and Craiova prisons in Romania.

In total 106 doctors, psychologists, security and regime staff could expand their knowledge in the areas such as effective multidisciplinary work and appropriate care, ambulatory care and unit management, vulnerable prisoners, challenging behaviours and their management, safeguards against ill-treatment of prisoners, building empathy for mentally disordered prisoners and challenging their stigma. The training also enabled its participants to discuss real-life scenarios and seek together solutions aimed at the best interest of the inmates.

Prior to the trainings, the teams of trainers took a special preparatory course facilitated by the Council of Europe. They were also equipped with a special curriculum developed by the Council of Europe consultants. The trainers are expected to continue passing the knowledge on to their peers, thus improving the treatment and provision of mental health services to inmates.

The training sessions were organised within the framework of the project “Further strengthening the provision of health care and mental health in prisons and other closed institutions in Romania” financed by the Human Rights Trust Fund of the Council of Europe.