What can you do when your son or daughter gets in trouble with the law?  It can happen.  Not everyone will have this experience, but if it does happen, it is good to have some knowledge and support.  Each country will have a different legal process, but will need the same information regarding PWS, so the PWSA USA has published a pdf on Law Enforcement and a Medical Alert for Careproviders in an Inpatient setting.  Both of these flyers are easy to download and will help personnel understand the syndrome.  

 

It may be useful for any psychiatric assessment for the psychiatrist to have a copy of Psychiatric Handout, and also a Medical Overview for Professionals.

 

The underlying cause for escalating behaviour is anxiety and being "in trouble with the law" will naturally raise anxiety.  Facing a court trial for anyone will provoke anxiety and the person with PWS may react badly when faced with a Judge.  Screaming, yelling abuse, refusal to conform, may be normal behaviour for them to try to prevent something bad from happening, but may escalate the case against them.  Retaliation against a safe environment may also show up in numerous ways from self-soiling, self-abuse, yelling, or trying to set fires.  It is important to know the system and the processes that will be followed, so you need to make sure you have someone - such as a psychiatriatric clinical advisor who works within the justice system, or a coordinator working between the courts and residential placement - as well as your own lawyer.

 

You may find assistance within your PWS Association, or you may wish to contact us for further information and support.