To support Serbia its efforts to develop a new, evidence-based model of care for forensic patients in the country, in line with the recommendations from the CPT’s recent reports, three forensic psychiatrists took part in the Forensic Psychiatry International Summer School, held from 23 to 25 September 2026 in Trani, Puglia, Italy, which brought together leading experts in forensic psychiatry and psychology from Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Canada and other countries.

The three psychiatrists are members of the working group developing a new model of care for the treatment of forensic patients in the Special Prison Hospital in Belgrade with the support of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe’s key expert on the project who is guiding the reform process in Serbia, was also one of the presenters at the summer school.

Over three days, participants gained in depth knowledge on topics including research methodology and ethics, writing psychiatric court reports, courtroom skills, restrictive practices, individual care plans, the use of psychological tests in court assessments, and violence and psychosis. Research breakout groups and presentations by scholars gave participants the opportunity to discuss their own work with the faculty. With the kind sponsorship of the organisers, scholarships were provided for some of the participants from Serbia.

The knowledge and contacts gained will help Serbia put in place a modern model of care in conformity with Council of Europe Standards.

The summer school was organised by the MAUL Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Association and the University of Bari "Aldo Moro".

The participation of the three psychiatrists in the international summer school took place within the framework of the project "Improving the treatment of inmates with mental health issues and increasing efficiency and quality of alternative sanctions and post penal care", funded by the European Commission and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe in Serbia.