What is Parental Alienation? Parental Alienation Day, 2025
Parental Alienation Day - 25th April 2025
Understanding the Impact of Parental Alienation
Parental Alienation Awareness Day (PAAD) takes place annually on 25th April and is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the emotional and psychological impact that parental alienation can have on families, particularly the children involved.
Parental alienation is recognised by professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and the courts, as a serious issue that can damage the long-term well-being of children and can disrupt the child-parent bond.
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent deliberately or subconsciously influences a child to reject, fear, or distance themselves from the other parent. This often takes place during or after separation or divorce and can lead to lasting emotional harm for the child and an unjust severance of the relationship with the alienated parent.
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) outlines parental alienation as a range of behaviours intended to undermine a child’s relationship with the other parent. Including:
- Persistently criticising or belittling the other parent in front of the child
- Interfering with or limiting contact with the other parent
- Preventing the child from talking about the other parent
- Encouraging the child to believe the other parent does not care about or love them
- Emotionally pressuring the child to take sides or reject the other parent
These behaviours can be subtle or overt, but over time, they can significantly impact the child’s perception of the alienated parent.
How Do the Courts Handle Allegations of Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation cases present a significant challenge for the courts. When concerns are raised about disrupted contact or fractured parent-child relationships, the court must carefully examine the evidence to understand the underlying reasons.
One of the most complex aspects of these cases is distinguishing between a child’s genuine feelings and those that may have been influenced by one parent. In some cases, children may strongly oppose contact with a parent, not understanding that their views have been shaped by manipulation.
If the court finds that parental alienation has taken place a range of measures may be considered. Including:
- Revising or enforcing contact arrangements
- Requiring parents to attend co-parenting or therapeutic interventions
- In severe cases, altering living arrangements to ensure the child has meaningful relationships with both parents
The court’s primary consideration is always the best interests of the child, and it will act to protect a child from emotional harm wherever necessary.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Parental Alienation?
If you are concerned that your child is being alienated from you, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference in addressing the issue and safeguarding your relationship with your child.
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, our experienced Family Law team are here to support parents through complex and sensitive issues such as parental alienation. We can advise you on the appropriate steps to take and help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today to speak with a member of our family law team and take the first step in protecting your parent-child relationship.