Implementation of the Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2012 Visits to special social care institutions In 2012, the NPM visited two special social care institutions, specifically, Dutovlje Social Care Institution (Dutovlje SCI), which is a special social care institution for adults experiencing longterm problems in mental health and/or development and for persons with several disorders, and secondly, Special Social Care Institution Nina Pokorn Grmovje Home (Grmovje SCI), providing care, protection and professional treatment to adults with long-term problems in mental care for whom integration into an independent life outside the institution is not possible. Rooms with multiple beds Upon the previous visit to Dutovlje SCI, it was proposed that the institution should strive to gradually rearrange rooms into twin bedrooms, or at most, three-bed rooms. Thus, at the time of our visit in 2012, there was only one room left with such a number of beds, out of the former rooms with four and five beds. In the light of our recommendation, others were turned into rooms with four and three beds. An expectation was expressed by the NPM that the re-arrangement of the secure ward be continued along the lines of reducing the number of beds in individual rooms. Arrangement of wards The worn-out furniture in the dining room of Dutovlje SCI was observed, and particularly the damaged tables without a tablecloth. Even though the room was clean it appeared neglected. An opinion was thus given that the appearance of the dining room might be improved with table covers which might be made in workshops as part of occupational therapy and would be easy to maintain, or in another appropriate manner. The NPM was informed of the Institution’s plan that, during their occupational therapy, residents of the secure ward would shortly produce plasticized covers which will enable cleanliness to be maintained simply, and the procurement and repair of tables and chairs for the dining room was planned, within the available financial means. In Dutovlje SCI it was also established that rooms where residents stay during the day time (as well as some other rooms) are still impersonal. Walls of rooms are painted in warm shades of colour, there are curtains at windows, and yet the equipment in the rooms is modest: in addition to the built-in wardrobe, there are only beds and bed-side tables. As a rule, there are no other personal items, paintings, and similar, and it is disturbing that there are no bed-side reading lamps, no chair or any table. In three of the rooms inspected, wall lights on the ceiling were damaged and only light bulbs were hanging from the ceiling. In one of the toilets, a toilet cover was missing, and on the doors of another, there was a notice “not working”. Even though it was stated by the institution that renovation of the secure ward was envisaged shortly, it was proposed by the NPM that the options for improving the appearance of the existing premises be examined, and any minor damage to the equipment be repaired regularly and promptly. It was explained by the institution that the ward had been repainted at the beginning of the year of the visit when all paintings and other decorations made by residents were removed and, unfortunately, they had not been immediately reinstalled. An assurance was given that, within a month or so, paintings would be hung back where they were hanging before and the institution will strive to continue to provide its residents with the opportunity to arrange its living surroundings in a more pleasant and personal manner. Two tables and chairs were additionally put into two rooms. In Grmovje SCI it was established by the NPM that the rooms appeared impersonal and it proposed that residents be motivated to decorate their rooms with smaller personal belongings, paintings, perhaps photographs and artistic items created by residents themselves, and thus personal touch to their living space would be added. 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 71