Whilst it is hoped that separated parents are able to work out arrangements for their children, there are unfortunately some cases where that does not happen. In some cases, this can be very severe, to the extent that the children no longer see both parents.
One parent could be negatively influencing the contact, meaning that the child does not want to go to contact. There can be many ways in which this alienation can take place, some of which may seem like minor issues but which can build up to a difficult situation where children reject the other parent. This can be for many reasons and can be to the detriment of both the child and the other parent.
Where this is a problem, the Courts can consider if it amounts to ‘parental alienation’ which CAFCASS define as “when a child’s resistance/ hostility towards one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent’.
If this is an alleged factor of a case, the court has power to consider this issue, perhaps by way of findings being made about the parents conduct and whether this does, in the court’s view, amount to ‘alienation’. The courts also have a range of powers to make orders to try and negate the effect of the alienation, which can involve assistance from CAFCASS and in considering on a case by case basis the best options for dealing with the issue. Ultimately, the court does have the power to order that a child is moved to live with one parent if the other is alienating the child but the Court will consider all options available including whether work can be done with the parents to assist them in understanding and dealing with the issues, whether work can be done with the child to help them to see the other parent etc.
If you are concerned about whether your child is being alienated, please contact the Family Department here at Mewies on 01756 799000 for more information.