Families of SOs Community Group
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It's a long story that I don't care to get into right now, but my incarcerated son had an internal hearing today related to some charges against him that he violated prison rules. The administrative law judge (ALJ) told him he's an intelligent person, but he doesn't seem to have a good grasp on appropriate behavior versus inappropriate behavior. He was willing to admit to a couple of things he did wrong, but is not willing to admit to all the things of which he's accused. He says that the two prison staff members who have accused him have also falsely accused another inmate in the past.
The judge asked if he has ever been told he's "in the spectrum," or something like that. He hadn't ever heard of that before, and neither have I.
The judge asked if he'd like to see a psychiatrist/psychologist. He doesn't remember which she said. But he agreed to see this mental health professional. The judge said she'd postpone making a ruling in his case, until after she receives the mental health department's evaluation of my son.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
The judge asked if he has ever been told he's "in the spectrum," or something like that. He hadn't ever heard of that before, and neither have I.
The judge asked if he'd like to see a psychiatrist/psychologist. He doesn't remember which she said. But he agreed to see this mental health professional. The judge said she'd postpone making a ruling in his case, until after she receives the mental health department's evaluation of my son.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist may be a good thing. Perhaps getting a diagnosis of some sort will enable the judge to make an appropriate ruling, maybe even go easier on him. Also, your son may continue to get treatment while incarcerated, and really, it can't hurt.
My son is in year 5 of a 20 year sentence, and he has been seeing a psychologist for a while now, and I have seen positive changes in him.
Please keep us update. I'll keep you and your boy in my thoughts and prayers.
My son is in his mid forties, so he's not a boy. But, sometimes, he seems like a little boy. He's always been very tender-hearted and wants nothing more than to be liked for being kind to everyone and cheerful and pleasant to be around. You have given me something positive to think about. Thank you so much!
You're very welcome....I know it is a frightening, and stressful journey. What seems to work for me, is to be a continual advocate for my son. I'm from Canada, so please forgive me if I mistakenly have different titles for prison staff. I found it very helpful to connect with my son's parole officer (who is really his case manager), his social worker, chaplain, etc. to help me navigate the prison system. I think some prison staff respond to a concerned parent, because for the most part, these poor souls have no one advocating for them.
God bless, and good luck.
Mary
I have communicated with the deputy warden and, while he is a cordial person and always returns my phone calls, I don't necessarily think he appreciates hearing from me. He always wants to impress me with how much he believes my son knew better than to do what he was accused of, but did it anyway.
Well, I may be totally clueless, but I believe my son. He is always willing to admit to me and prison staff, when he HAS done something wrong. But, he has been accused of more than he says he actually did. He HATES being accused of something he didn't do, especially because the things he will admit to are so bad.
I might not be able to help with the prison side of things as I'm in the UK, its all different here but if you need any help about the mental health side feel free to give me a shout.
Here in Canada, I was able to have my son sign something called "Information release", so that I can call his psychologist, or social worker, and get info or relay info.
I'm a mental health worker here in Canada, and I specialize in advocating for families of prisoners, particularly if the person in prison has a mental health issues. I know things differ between our countries, but I really believe there are a lot of similarities.
Make these contacts. I'll say again, the prison staff is all we have to work with. You don't have to reveal anything, but you sure as hell can ask questions.
If you want to send me a private message, I would be more than happy to help.
I'm thinking hard about calling someone at the prison tomorrow. However, any time I have called the case worker, he never responds to my voice mail messages. On the other hand, the deputy warden will ALWAYS call me back almost immediately and has told me I may call him any time I have any questions.
I guess I can at least call the DW and simply ASK questions, as you said, without offering any information to him. I guess I could ask him if there's someone else I could call so as not to bother him. I'll try that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
And thank you for your kind words.
Mary