The Romanian authorities have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment in introducing specialised training in forensic psychiatry and establishing mental health nursing as a recognised discipline. This was driven by the urgent need to address staff shortages in both the penitentiary and civilian health sectors. To that end two important training programmes in forensic psychiatry and mental health nursing have been finalised, following the intensive work of the national inter-agency working group, supported by the Council of Europe.

The programmes are expected to significantly improve the quality of mental health services, as well as support recruitment and retention efforts within secure settings across the country.

The development of these training programmes also aims to raise the professional status and competencies of psychiatrists and nurses working in closed institutions, reflecting Romania’s broader commitment to reforming mental health care services.

The process was guided by Council of Europe consultants, working in close collaboration with an inter-agency working group composed of representatives from key institutions — including relevant government bodies, universities, and professional associations in the mental health field.

The final meeting of the inter-agency working group was held on 22–23 September 2025 in Bucharest. The training programmes will soon be submitted to the Ministry of Health and other actors for certification and further implementation steps.

The initiative is supported and the meeting is 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 (phase 2) financed by the Human Rights Trust Fund of the Council of Europe.