Using the newly developed Pompidou Group multidisciplinary training manual, a training of trainers on care and treatment of persons with substance use disorders for prison staff took place in Petrovac, Montenegro. Selected prison professionals from both the health and the security departments attended the training. The intensive 5-day course covered multiple topics such as disorders due to substance use, medically assisted treatment, psycho-social treatment, new psychoactive substances in prison settings, dual diagnosis and harm reduction measures. Several case studies, both local and international, were discussed, comparisons were made between the perspectives from staff working in the security department, and staff working in the health the department. The debates among the participants challenged them to think outside their comfort zones, and to gain insights in each other’s roles and opinions.

The training material was developed by the Pompidou Group within its co-operation group of South-East European prison professionals (PRISEE) and as part of its Criminal Justice and Health in Prison Programme, elaborated and reviewed by different international experts. An assessment visit conducted in Montenegro on training needs and the concluding report with recommendations laid the ground for adapting th material to the context of Montenegro. The training experience and the developed material will be shared with other members of the PRISEE group, with the possibility of adapting them in their local context.