Parental Alienation, if left undiagnosed and untreated, creates a situation where there is the total and complete alienation of the child(ren) from the alienated parental figure. The child, in effect, looses one of his parents, directly opposite of what is in the child’s best interest and, in fact, causing irreparable damage to the child(ren). In cases where there is “attempted” PAS, that is where the alienation is attempted but not successful, the harm done to the child may be still be quite extensive.

In our experience there seems to be a lack of awareness and education regarding this topic and how to intervene, even among those who deal with high-conflict custody cases. We find this to be true of many, in fact most, of those who work in and for the family court system. If an appointed diagnostician, therapist or G.A.L.(Guardian ad Litem) is not familiar with this phenomenon and does not consider the possibility that it exists, that individual may inadvertently be supporting the offender in his or her attempts to alienate the other parent.

Specific cases must have “documentable” and historical evidence, including a history of the marital relationship. Although without this evidence we cannot make definitive statements regarding particular cases and parental alienation, we can and do most emphatically state that children have the right to have equal opportunity to enjoy positive relationships with both parents, unfettered by the personal agenda of the other parent. This issue is not about parents having access to their children; it is about children having access to their parents.

We are currently gathering information for a book so that we can educate the public regarding his phenomenon. If you have any questions or stories you would like to share, please do not hesitate to contact us.