On 09-16 July 2025, in Chisinau, 60 professionals from all prisons enhanced their competencies in motivational interviewing techniques through a series of intensive training sessions. This capacity building initiative served as a consolidation step to ensure effective implementation of the risk and needs assessment tool, previously developed, piloted, and validated in selected prisons with the support of Council of Europe interventions.

Over the three days of interactive training, two groups of multidisciplinary prison staff participated in interactive sessions that combined theoretical inputs with practical simulations. The training introduced them to the core principles of motivational interviewing and the cycle of change model, helping them apply techniques such as reflective listening, evoking change talk, and recognising client strengths. Through role-plays based on real-life scenarios, participants gained confidence in facilitating conversations that support behavioural change and motivation for rehabilitation. Trainees showed a clear commitment to applying these methods in their daily work.

The sessions were facilitated by Council of Europe consultants and organised under the auspices of the Project “Further strengthening the prison and probation systems, the provision of health care, and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova”, financed through the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2025-2028) and implemented by the Council of Europe.