National Preventive Mechanism announces the report concerning the visits made to the Educational Centres
The National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) announces its first special report which reflects the 2015 reality of the Educational Centres in Portugal.
The Educational Centers are institutions that welcome young people between 12 and 16 years old, which have practiced criminal offenses and are, therefore, committed to institutionalization.
Some of the issues, verified throughout the visits, were the infrastructure conditions, the support provided to the young residents during and after the departure and the psychotherapy care provided to them.
The quality of NPM was assigned to the Ombudsman, in 2013, according to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), giving the power to, without previous notice, visit institutions with persons deprived of liberty.
With its first special report, the NPM assessed the treatment given to young people, promoted and recommended improvements to the educational tutelage system.
Please read the report here.