Implementation of the Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2012 In all institutions, any violations of rules of conduct and other destructive deviations in behaviour is handled directly in the relationship between an adolescent and the institution, by making agreements and following up on their implementation, on an individual basis as well as within group meetings. Severe violations of rules are punished by confiscating a computer, by prohibiting exit passes, by confining the violators to their own room, by demanding that they perform additional work, by delaying their departure to their homes or by prohibiting their departure to their family homes. Rewards for their observance of rules and appropriate behaviour are earlier departure to their family homes, a visit to the cinema, a visit to an aqua park or any other activity which is attractive and liked by young persons. But there are differences among institutions as the imposing of educational measures are concerned since in some places violations of house rules, disobedience and deviations in behaviour are also punished by prohibiting a release to go home at weekends. This is why, considering the differences in regard to educational measures in individual institutions when rules are violated, it has been proposed by the NPM that the social and pedagogic profession examine the option of developing guidelines to produce an educational plan (as envisaged for primary schools in accordance with the Primary School Act), together with rules of residence in any institution arising from such a plan, as well as appeal options and complaint procedures. It was established that special attention was dedicated by the institutions visited to cooperation with adolescents’ parents or guardians. Parents are formally involved with the life and work of an individual institution via the Parents’ Council and the Institution Council. Education is the fundamental value of every institution. Minors may become involved in various educational programmes and vocational training programmes, either directly in institutions or by attending schools. Adolescents are encouraged by institutions to spend their free time in an active way. Numerous free-time activities are organised by institutions for young people to discover and develop their talents. Issues relating to illicit drugs, alcohol and smoking vary from one institution to another. Attitudes on how to treat these issues are also varied; as a result, the NPM has proposed to institutions to consider the development of a uniform strategy in regard to treating the addiction to illicit drugs, alcohol and smoking. It was also proposed by the NPM that a systematic training of adolescents be prepared by the institutions visited on the impacts and consequences of using illicit drugs, drinking alcohol and smoking, on the consequences of risky behaviour, the prevention of HIV infections, hepatitis and treatment of bad habits and addictions. Only Jarše Juvenile Home replied to the NPM’s recommendation by making an assurance that the recommendation would be observed and it would improve those activities that had been well thought through and had already implemented them with their minors. During the visit to the Veržej Boarding Facility, an issue regarding adolescents with psychiatric difficulties and very aggressive behaviour had been observed. In the NPM’s opinion (also), these young people were not being well cared for. In its reply, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports stated that they were aware of these issues but their opinion was that resolving the problems fell under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. National Preventive Mechanism in the Republic of Slovenia under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 123