After having successfully assisted the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of Kosovo (IFPK) in the development of their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), a two-day training session on its practical application was organised on 30-31 January 2025.
The aim of the training was to enhance knowledge of the IFPK staff on the application of the SOPs in practice and to raise awareness of the staff of Kosovo Correctional Services (KCS), situated at the IFPK, on the institutional requirements and operational procedures of the Institute whilst carrying out their duties as a security provider for prisoners placed under mandatory treatment in the IFPK.
Over 40 participants representing IFPK, KCS, and the National Preventive Mechanism of the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo raised their awareness and knowledge on the practical implementation of the health management procedures of patients from admission to discharge including psychosocial, occupational, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. The participants also enhanced their knowledge on the legal aspect of the SOPs to ensure regulatory compliance. Moreover, the training provided the opportunity to discuss any unclarities for a better comprehension of this important document.
Whilst the objectives of the training were successfully met, it also achieved two additional important outcomes, namely enhancing inter-agency cooperation and addressing potential gaps in communication, which can be a significant obstacle in an institution of such setting, and ensuring that relevant personnel are well-equipped to operate within the established procedural framework, ultimately improving service delivery, strengthening the protection of human rights of detained patients and upholding best practices in forensic psychiatry and correctional management.
The activity was organized under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”.
* All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.