Parental Alienation
The use of the term Parental Alienation in family court and family disputes is concerning, considering that in America and England, numerous articles report the use of parental alienation.
I want to share this video about “Experimental Therapy” in America and how children are forced into the program, including being made to watch YouTube videos like ‘Welcome back, Pluto’. Now that these children are considered adults, they are speaking about their experiences. We do not want this to happen in Australia, especially when you see a child explain how she was told by watching the Pluto video and learned about parental alienation that she would be cured.
Richard Gardner, an American child psychiatrist, wrote about child alienation and was, as mentioned in the video, a very influential health professional and an advisor to judges. See: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-parents-force-their-children-into-experimental-therapy-2023-11
During my groundwork, further articles related to Parental Alienation, such as:
‘I was forced into reunification therapy to bond with my emotionally abusive Father. The following 3.5 years were hell.' https://www.businessinsider.com/adult-children-parental-alienation-treatment-therapy-program-experience-2023-5
‘The truth behind the experimental therapy that kids say starts with legalised kidnapping’. Hundreds of children across the United States have been sent into controversial treatment programs where they’re cut off from the parent they trust and forced to live with the one they fear.'
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-parents-force-their-children-into-experimental-therapy-2023-11
‘Her son said his stepdad was sexually abusive. A judge gave the stepdad custody anyway. Then she found the photographs. The junk science of parental alienation infiltrated American Family Court and allowed accused child abusers to win custody of their kids.' https://www.businessinsider.com/parental-alienation-syndrome-father-alleged-child-abuse-win-custody-case-2023-5
California legislation passes a bill aiming to protect children from abusers during custody disputes https://www.businessinsider.com/california-parental-alienation-law-family-court-child-abuse-2023-9
In England, reports include
‘Amid a rapid increase in allegations of parental alienation in child custody cases, a landmark High Court ruling will further intensify the scrutiny of expert witness evidence’ https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news-focus/in-depth-parental-alienation-in-child-custody-cases/5124927.article
‘Psychologist whose advice led to at least a dozen children being removed from their mothers has evidence thrown out in a custody case’. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15227741/Psychologist-advice-led-dozen-children-removed-mothers-evidence-thrown-custody-case.html
‘UK mother accused of alienating children from father wins appeal over psychological assessment’. https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/sep/09/uk-mother-accused-of-alienating-children-from-father-wins-appeal-over-psychological-assessment
Whenever a party accuses the other of parental alienation, it should be investigated immediately, considering all relevant factors such as the accuser’s and the accused’s statements, and then reviewed by an appropriate professional. Afterwards, that person or persons should attend court to give evidence under oath, report their findings, and be examined.
Children also have a voice, and not just through the independent children’s lawyer (ICL). In Australia, the Family Law Act 1975 protects children by making the child’s best interests the “paramount consideration” in all custody disputes and includes
• Best interests are paramount
• Promotes safety
• Considers the children’s views
• Addresses developmental needs
• Prioritises dispute resolution
• Enforces Court orders
• Handles allegations of harm
It was encouraging to hear a statement from Sarah Sackman MP (Minister for Courts and Legal Services, UK) about the changes currently being implemented, which aim to prioritise children at the centre of the family justice system. I note that this approach is not only about protecting children from abuse but also about addressing abuse directed towards the other parent.
We need to protect our children, and in my childhood, I was taken from my home at a very young age. I understand how it feels, including the memories of what happened. Strong Families Safe Kids (child protection) should be involved much more and intervene immediately, especially in cases involving Parental Alienation or Coercive Control, because one day those children will turn 18, and the consequences of these issues will be felt.