Enhancement of Human Rights and Health-Care Support to Penitentiary System in Georgia

The Project builds upon the results achieved from the implementation of the previous CoE actions in Georgia, namely the EU-CoE JP “Human rights and healthcare in prisons and other closed institutions in Georgia” implemented in two phases between 2010-2017, and the VC project “Improving mental health care of persons detained in Georgia” implemented during 2018-2019. The previous projects supported to develop mental health care policies in prisons and other closed institutions and to improve the prison staff’ knowledge and skills to handle mental health-related issues better.

The current Project will assist the Special Penitentiary Service (Ministry of Justice) of Georgia in further improvement of healthcare services within the penitentiary system with a particular focus on mental healthcare.

It will also assist development and application of treatment of drug and alcohol addictions while strengthening of harm-reduction approach.

attention will be paid to the continuation of the suicide prevention programmes and training for the psychologists and medical personnel employed in the system.

The Project offers targeted solutions to:

the improved access of inmates to quality psychiatric care and treatment programmes;
establishment of an effective quality internal control mechanism on the provision of health care.

This Project will be implemented within 24 months, with an overall budget of 600 000 Euros financed by the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2016-2019.

Project documentation

Useful information

PROJECT NEWS

Back Training to prevent professional burnout in the penitentiary system in Georgia

@ Council of Europe

On 4 October 2021, a cascade training session for penitentiary staff on preventing and addressing professional burnout was launched in Georgia.

24-hour shifts and other working conditions inherent to the penitentiary environment put prison staff at a high risk of professional burnout. In turn, this may result in difficulties to maintain a basic level of security and a good quality service delivery for prisoners.

The training programme includes modules on the harmful effects of occupational stress on the effectiveness of the provision of services to convicted individuals, burnout prevention strategies, staff care, among others. Over the course of 10 days, the training session will address 75 members of the penitentiary staff, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and medical personnel. As a result, the penitentiary system personnel will be able to prevent and address issues related to professional burnout and maintain a good level of service delivery in highly intense working environments.

This training is organised in the framework of the project “Enhancement of Human Rights and Health-Care Support to the Penitentiary System”. The Project is funded by the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia.

Georgia 5 October 2021