Helping alienated parents

We need to be very clear for the mental wellbeing of our children that the unjustified rejection of a once-loved parent is not the same as the rejection of a dangerous or abusive parent.

The problem of a child who is resisting contact with a parent after separation gobbles resources and is a critical issue for consumers and practitioners of family law.

 As we wade through the arguments from womens’  groups, fathers’ groups,  family systems researchers and mental health professionals, the issue about the psychological harm to the child who loses a parent, remains very serious. It is serious because of the hugely negative impact on that child’s mental health and its ongoing impact.

 We need to look at the  actual parental behaviours which are child adverse. These behaviours need to be the focus of family law. Screening for abuse  and mental ill health is a vital part of the differentiation process.

 So when we are faced with a resist/refuse family dynamic, we need to acknowledge this and apply preventive measures to stop a drift to an impasse. The impasse serves nobody, and is treacherous for children.

 This very  impasse can inflame an already aggravated system. Social science has systems of understanding  - but social scientists do not have the access to the legal system, which is the power of law.

 A partnership is needed via mediation  and court processes, along with an understanding of the  extreme damage done to children, when the conflict is high. Delay is entirely destructive for child mental health.

 We need psychological - educational  materials, and we need informed ways for families and professionals  to understand how to help families to align and to change the destructive dynamics which are so toxic for their children.

 This website is taking the issue of parental alienation very seriously, and we encourage your participation.