Forensisch Psychiatrisch Centrum

The Forensisch Psychiatrisch Centrum (FPC) in Ghent is a closed forensic psychiatric institution in Belgium, dedicated to the care and treatment of interned persons with mental disorders who have committed offences but are not suited to prison. It became operational in May 2014 and admitted its first patients in November 2014. The centre is located in the Wondelgemse Meersen area of Ghent, along Limbastraat, and is accessible via a newly constructed road to the Wiedauwkaai, with its main entrance on the south side at Hurstweg. The development of the centre was partly prompted by criticism from the European Court of Human Rights regarding Belgium's treatment of interned persons. The facility brings together departments for observation, intensive treatment, nursing, and resocialisation under one roof, inspired by the Dutch model of forensic psychiatric centres. The building accommodates 264 patients. The first stone was laid on 13 October 2011 by the outgoing Minister of Justice, Stefaan De Clerck, and the complex cost approximately €80 million. It is a fully secured institution designed to minimise nuisance for local residents. In 2011, concerns were raised that it would be difficult to recruit the 400 necessary staff members, not only due to labour market tightness but also because of the specific nature of the institution. In August 2013, two organisations were still competing for the operation of the centre: the PFPCG (a pluralistic platform of institutions and experts in forensic care in Flanders) and the consortium Sodexo Parnassia Groep, a partnership between Sodexo, Parnassia, and FPC De Kijvelanden. The latter was awarded the operation contract. The FPC Gent is part of a broader Belgian network of forensic psychiatric care, alongside FPC Antwerpen, which accommodates 182 patients, both men and women. Together, these centres provide scientifically grounded security for society through the treatment of interned forensic psychiatric patients, prevention of relapse, and execution of specific tasks in the field of mental health care. The institution also engages in scientific research and quality care initiatives, as reflected in its news and publications.

The Forensisch Psychiatrisch Centrum (FPC) in Ghent was established as a response to long-standing criticism, including from the European Court of Human Rights, regarding Belgium's treatment of interned persons—individuals with mental disorders who have committed offences but are held in conditions deemed inadequate. The planning and development of the centre were inspired by the Dutch model of forensic psychiatric centres, which combine security with therapeutic care. The first stone was laid on 13 October 2011 by Stefaan De Clerck, then outgoing Minister of Justice. The complex, costing approximately €80 million, was designed as a fully secured institution to minimise nuisance for local residents. It is located in the Wondelgemse Meersen in Ghent, along Limbastraat, with a new access road to the Wiedauwkaai and a main entrance at Hurstweg. In August 2013, two candidates vied for the operation of the centre: the PFPCG, a pluralistic platform of forensic care institutions and experts in Flanders, and the consortium Sodexo Parnassia Groep, a partnership of Sodexo, Parnassia, and FPC De Kijvelanden. The operation was awarded to the Sodexo Parnassia Groep consortium. The centre became operational in May 2014 and admitted its first patients in November 2014. It accommodates 264 patients and brings together departments for observation, intensive treatment, nursing, and resocialisation. The institution is part of a broader Belgian network of forensic psychiatric care, which also includes FPC Antwerpen (with 182 places for men and women). Together, these centres aim to provide scientifically grounded security for society through treatment, prevention of relapse, and specific mental health care tasks. The FPC Gent also engages in scientific research and quality care, as evidenced by its news items and publications.

• 2014

  Centre became operational in May and admitted its first patients in November.

• 2013

  In August, operation contract awarded to the Sodexo Parnassia Groep consortium.

• 2011

  First stone laid on 13 October by outgoing Minister of Justice Stefaan De Clerck.

A secure, treatment-oriented forensic psychiatric centre providing scientifically grounded care for interned patients while ensuring public safety.

1. 1Home - Forensische Psychiatrische Centrafpcnv.be
2. 2Forensisch Psychiatrisch Centrum (Gent) - Wikipedianl.wikipedia.org
3. 3Forensisch Psychiatrisch Centrum - Wikidatawikidata.org