From admission to treatment: New training strengthens security staff in Sokolac Forensic Institution

Thirty security staff members at the Sokolac Forensic Institution have completed a new training programme designed to strengthen their role in safeguarding patient safety and upholding human rights.

Over four days, on 2-5 September 2025, participants sharpened their skills in communication, de-escalation and ethical conduct, while learning how to provide better support to vulnerable patients, from admission to treatment.

Led by experienced Council of Europe trainers, the programme combined practical exercises, moderated discussions, verbal de-escalation skill tests, and self-assessments of professional and ethical behaviour. Particular attention was given to the regular and extraordinary duties of security staff, and to their responsibility in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients.

These sessions are expected to further build the capacities of security staff and raise standards at the Sokolac Forensic Institution, in line with the recommendations and standards of the Council of Europe and the European Union.

The  activity was organised as part of the action “Further strengthening the treatment of detained and sentenced persons in line with European standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina“ under the joint Council of Europe and European Union programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.