CARE INSTITUTIONS FOR DISABLED PERSONS availability of specialized professionals during afternoon hours and on weekends. In 2017, 19 adults with autism were transferred in the unit from the Skaramangas Unit of Healing and Rehabilitation for disabled children. Due to the lack of sufficient caregivers and specialized personnel, accidents were reported, namely in Wing C where disruptive children were accommodated. The NPM team inquired about recent press coverage regarding the use of mechanical restraint to autistic persons in Wing C in order to receive information about the restraining measure practices. The administration and personnel mentioned that the use of restraining measures was exceptionally limited provided that there was a psychiatric order and that the appropriate conditions, as those were described in the book of restraints were met. The NPM team did not perceive any mechanical restraint measures (belts) but the inspection did not allow for any conclusions regarding chemical (pharmaceutical) restraint. Given that the visit took place in the morning and people sat hypotonic and passive in the hallway, there was probable reason to assume based on lessons of common experience that chemical restraint may had taken place. This should be confirmed during a return visit with examination of the relevant patient files and psychiatric orders in the book of restraints. It is noted that there was an actual restriction of autistic persons in small area (a hallway of a few square meters) with a locked door (the only case in the unit), which impeded free access inside and outside the area, whereas all persons in Wing C were supervised by one caregiver. The NPM team detected pending organizational and functional issues that undermined the operation of the unit: the pending Statute for all SWCPA structures, hiring of specialized staff that will be able to implement specialized projects mainly for the autistic persons of Wing C, completion of the files of the accommodated persons (especially of Wing A) crucial judicial support issues that are pending with an impact on unresolved issues, such as the permission to exit the premises (according to the 46/19.12.2018 decision of the Board of Directors of SWCPA in order to grant such a permission a request must be mandatorily filed from the guardian or judicially appointed guardian of the individual). The NPM is committed in monitoring all relevant developments and provide any possible assistance to speeding up procedures regarding by addressing documents the Ministry of Labour. Furthermore, the Mechanism will conduct more thorough inspections in order to conduct safe conclusions and ensure that its recommendations regarding living conditions will be forwarded to the relevant authorities. 65