As someone who has personally experienced the devastating effects of parental alienation over the past five years, indeed, upon closer reflection the foundations were probably laid many years prior to this point, however, I chose to ignore the "alarm bells" ringing in my ears during multiple events when my place as a parent were minimised, for example being told many, many times that I was not the primary parent when clearly this was never a legal fact, and in fact both parents shared equal responsibility on all matters.

I have witnessed firsthand the emotional and psychological toll it can take on a parent and I fear to even think of what psychological toll those first days, weeks, months may have had upon my "little princess".

The deep-seated pain, loss of trust, and severed relationships that result from such manipulation are not only profoundly damaging but also fundamentally unjust. My journey through this ordeal has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework that can effectively prevent and address parental alienation. For me, any enactment of legislation in the form I propose will not serve my loss in any way, however, I lay this proposal before the Government insofar as ensuring that no other parent or child must endure the same anguish.

By advocating for the development of the Parental Alienation Prevention and Resolution Act, I aim to create a society where the emotional well-being of children is safeguarded, and healthy, nurturing relationships with both parents are promoted. This legislation would provide the necessary tools and support systems to identify, intervene, and remediate cases of parental alienation, fostering a just and fair family justice system. It is my hope that through this act, we can protect future generations from the heartbreak and trauma that I, and many others, have faced, and create a more compassionate and equitable society for all families.

Preamble

In recent years, the issue of parental alienation has garnered significant attention, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legislative action. Parental alienation, a form of emotional abuse where one parent manipulates a child to unjustly reject the other parent, has profound and lasting effects on the psychological and emotional well-being of children. The current legal framework, while addressing various aspects of child welfare and "custody"/residence, lacks specific provisions to effectively combat this detrimental behavior.

The Parental Alienation Prevention and Resolution Act seeks to fill this gap by providing a structured and detailed approach to prevent, identify, and resolve instances of parental alienation. This act is built on the foundational belief that the welfare and best interests of children are paramount in "custody"/residence and access matters. By clearly defining parental alienation and establishing protocols for its identification and reporting, the act aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for children and their families.

Proposed Act: Parental Alienation Prevention and Resolution Act

Purpose

To safeguard the emotional and psychological well-being of children involved in custody/residence disputes by preventing and addressing parental alienation.

Key Provisions

Definition of Parental Alienation:

• Clearly define parental alienation as a form of emotional abuse where one parent manipulates a child to unjustly reject the other parent.
• Include examples of alienating behaviors such as badmouthing the other parent, limiting contact, and creating a false narrative about the other parent.

Identification and Reporting:

• Develop standardized protocols for identifying signs of parental alienation, including psychological assessments and observations.
• Require professionals (teachers, counselors, social workers) to report suspected cases of parental alienation to child protective services or the family court.

Training for Professionals:

• Mandate comprehensive training for family court judges, lawyers, social workers, and mental health professionals on recognizing and addressing parental alienation.
• Ensure ongoing education and workshops to keep professionals updated on the latest research and best practices.

Child Impact Assessments:

• Implement mandatory child impact assessments in "custody"/residence and access cases to evaluate the potential for and presence of parental alienation.
• Require these assessments to be conducted by qualified mental health professionals.

Legal Remedies:

• Provide legal avenues for alienated parents to seek court intervention, including modifications to "custody"/residence arrangements, supervised visitation, or enforcement of existing orders (including punitive measures).
• Allow courts to order therapeutic interventions, such as family counseling or reunification therapy, to address the underlying issues.

Support Services:

• Establish support services for affected families, including access to counseling, mediation services, and parental education programs.
• Create helplines and online resources for parents and children to seek advice and support anonymously.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of parental alienation and promote healthy co-parenting.
• Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and media outlets to disseminate information and resources.

Implementation

Enforcement:

• Assign a dedicated government body or task force to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the act.
• Ensure collaboration between child protective services, family courts, and support organizations.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the legislation through data collection, research, and feedback from affected families.
• Conduct periodic reviews and make necessary adjustments to improve the framework.

Conclusion

This act aims to protect children from the damaging effects of parental alienation, promote healthy parent-child relationships, and ensure that custody decisions are made in the best interests of the child. By addressing this issue comprehensively, we can create a legal and social environment that supports the well-being of all family members involved.