Contemporary Family - Winter 2025

POLICY | ADVOCACY | RESILIENCE

RAISE YOUR

VOICE

VOL. 5 - NO. 1 - WINTER 2024-2025 ISSN 1939-0219

HONORING DAVID LEVY AND MARGARET WUWERT

20TH CENTURY PIONEERS IN CHILD CUSTODY

FOR THEM!

PRESERVING FAMILY TIES MEDIA, LLC WWW.CONTEMPORARYFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

For those seeking International News, Information and Research on Child Outcomes affected by Co-Parenting, Child Custody Litigation, Court Reform and the Challenges of High Conflict Divorce

Mental Health Hotline (USA) 800-985-5990 | National Suicide Hotline (USA) 800-273-8255

Preserving Family Ties Media has the mission to provide research, news, education, consulting and training, and multimedia publishing opportunities for parents and family professionals to improve child outcomes when families are in transition.

Preserving Family Ties (PFT) is named for founder, Dr. Mark D. Roseman’s research-based book, Preserving Family Ties, An Authoritative Guide to Understanding Divorce and Child Custody, for Parents and Family Professionals.

His approach has been to incorporate the latest understanding of dynamics, feelings and behaviors when parents separate and how best to co-parent when separation and divorce ensues. Cultural context and court reform in historical context further distinguishes Roseman’s text.

PFT is the parent company for its flagship, Contemporary Family Quarterly (www.contemporaryfamilymagazine. com) offering a venue for global writers and researchers on interdisciplinary topics addressing current family needs in order to foster universal understandings and interventions.

Additionally, PFT is the parent company for Mark David Roseman & Associates (MDR), a service enterprise specializing in support groups for parents suffering highly conflicted child custody matters, and experiencing the traumatic loss of children through their estrangement and alienating behaviors. MDR’s facilitators serve as consultants for individual coaching, and also assistance to companies’ human resources challenges with managing staff who are facing personal difficulties of divorce and child custody litigation.

Visit MDR online at www.Markdavidroseman.com for more details!

We want to hear from you!

Email Mark.roseman@preservingfamilyties.com!

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CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

INSIDE this ISSUE BOOKS

Page

by Lena Hellblom Sjögren, PhD

INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS Including News and Announcements from Denmark, Portugal, Scotland and Sweden

Pages

Parental Alienation: What Science Tells Us About Splitting

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6-12

14 16 19 20-22 24-26 Page

by Kathleen M. Reay

Editorial from Sun Sentinel: Don’t Discourage Anonymous Abuse Calls

with responses by Dr. Mark Roseman and Chris Felder

pasg NEWS

Page

Page

Conclusions: Highlights from the 2024 PASG Conference

Pages

NEW FEATURE: CHILD ADVOCACY

Pages

Litigation Challenges to Child Reunification: Response; by Linda Gottlieb Interview with Joani Kloth-Zanard and Clint Doran Pages

28-31

The Sufferings of Good Men/Women of Noble Cause by the Current Foibles, Negligence and Vicissitudes of the New Dictatorial Administration in Washington, DC.

by Dr. Robert Bauserman

Page

32

THE TEAM BEHIND EVERY ISSUE MARK DAVID ROSEMAN, PHD Publisher

ROB LAHOUD RUSSO Art Director SARAH HANSEL Website Design

SPAIN

ERIC ZWANG Social Media Marketing Director USA SHERIN YEHIA EL NAKHALA UI/UX Design PALESTINE

USA

NIGERIA

USA

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

ODIRI IGHOGBOJA Frontend Developer

EDITORIAL BOARD BARBARA MEHL ABE WORENKLEIN DISCLAIMER

USA

CANADA

Contemporary Family Quarterly is a unique publication for family professionals, advocates and legislators who have differing experiences, research findings and opinions that may be debated, and qualified. Our Editors strive to assure each reader that their voice is valuable and important. Therefore, please recognize that all content reflects but does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or editors. All content is published in good faith, though we cannot guarantee nor accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the publication, its companion website, or its advertisers including content of other websites, advertising or resources.

All rights are reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. We welcome your republishing but ask your request for such.

Contemporary Family Quarterly reserves the right to make changes to any information on this site without a notice.

By using our publications and websites, you agree to all terms and conditions listed above. If you have any questions about this policy, you may contact us. info@contemporaryfamily.org.

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From the Publisher who have overstayed visas in order to work, to find sustenance when opportunity eludes them in their home countries?

We all know the news; the war in Ukraine continues with fears that President Trump may withdraw further assistance.

Resilience Dear friends, I am so pleased to announce that Contemporary Family Magazine is now emerging as Contemporary Family Quarterly! This change is due, and necessary to reflect the content published each quarter containing academic research, professional interventions and legal opinion.

Intelligent conversations recorded for our podcast, CF DIGITAL! brings to life the important platforms of communication that video and social media offer many who care about issues continuing to impact the contemporary family.

However, I am so conflicted as enter the new year of 2025. Yet, I remain filled with hope.

As President Trump has entered the office, removing DEI, threatening cessation of funded social services and medical research, there remains opposition to preserve equality, and opportunity for all. Including those he would label criminal and seek to deport. Even entering schools to remove children who are identified as illegal aliens.

Rapists? Murderers? All 1,000,000 of those

Israel rejoices at the return of a trickle of hostages on a weekly basis during this first part of an agreement with the terrorist organization of Hamas, yet nearly one third of the hostages have not returned or been found succumbed in the tunnels beneath war torn Gaza, victims of starvation, rape, torture and murder. A war that was fought conditional upon their release. A tragedy that over 40,000 are reported dead from Israeli bombing.

The rebels in Myanmar seeking to finally replace repression with freedom and democratic ideals. In spite of the regular bombing of jungle villages by Russian and Chinese planes, it is the incredible perseverance of doctors and engineers and educators to build universities.

Taiwanese who must continue to be vigilant against a continuing threat by neighboring China.

Resilience.

Policy is continuing, however. Public policy for improving child outcomes, and policy for improving the means of court process, or court reform which has been too long in adapting to needs of families.

all working in behalf of families around the world, and who bring the concepts and field experiences to improve child outcomes when parents separate.

It is with my commitment still to assure you all of an opportunity for another tool which our publishing services provide.

It is with your commitment to this work, to learning about these endeavors, and your imaginative and creative designs for future growth and change to support the emotional, psychological and social needs of all families that we welcome your participation in our efforts to publish Contemporary Family Quarterly.

Resilience. You have demonstrated this.

Thank you all for your support! If not yet a subscriber, please do! If a subscriber, please also give a gift to a student, a faculty member, a library! If a CF DIGITAL! listener, share our podcast! Make suggestions for content on both platforms! We welcome your ideas!

Wishing you a happy, and healthy, and productive 2025,

Dr. Mark D. Roseman Publisher and Founder

In this time, we can all give our voice to share with those who need to hear, who wish to hear, and who will benefit from the wisdom of practitioners and those researching the inevitable status of children and parents.

It is through Contemporary Family Quarterly and CF DIGITAL! that our collective voice may additionally serve the needs of

IMAGE BY KJPARGETER - FREEPIK.COM

‘Dr. Mark’ is an author, international speaker and child custody expert with specialization in high conflict personality and parental alienation. He began his field work as Assistant Director for Child Access in Washington, DC with the Children’s Rights Council serving with its founder, David L. Levy, Esq. Dr. Roseman is Founder/CEO of The Toby Center for Family Transitions, a leading child visitation and child reunification agency based in Florida. He is founding Publisher of Contemporary Family Quarterly, flagship of Preserving Family Ties Media, LLC, an educational consultant and publisher on family and social issues which he founded in 2020.

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Helplines All Around the World

AUSTRALIA UK

A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline 13 11 14 If life is in danger call 000 National family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732.

The freephone, 24-hour - National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 Resources & support for anyone in the U.S. affected by intimate partner violence 24/7/365. 1-800-799-7233. Chat at http://thehotline.org | Text “START” to 88788

USA

Other international helplines can be found via https://www.befrienders.org/our-members.

BOOKS

by Lena Hellblom Sjögren, PhD

Barnets rätt till familjeliv: 25 svenska fallstudier av föräldraalienation // The Child's Right to Family Life: 25 Swedish Case Studies of Parental Alienation The name of the book is The Child’s Right to Family Life. If a child is separated from a parent whom the child was attached to and loved, then the child’s psychological and emotional development, as well as the child’s health, is destroyed. It is a mental abuse situation, which is not identified as such by the child. The child has to ally himself to the parent whom the child depends on, and reject the other parent. In many cases, the alienating parent gets support both from social authorities and from

the legal system. The child incorporates an unfounded and false belief about the other parent and starts joining the condemnation.

The child demonstrates the acquired aversion by refusing all kinds of contact, often also with the grandparents on the rejected parents’ side.

This process, parental alienation, is not unusual in severe custody conflicts. It violates the child’s legal and human right to family life.

Twenty-five Swedish cases of sever parental alienation are presented.

Hemligheter och minnen: Att utreda tillförlitlighet i sexualbrottmål // Secrets and Memories: Investigating Reliability in Sex Crime Cases This book serves to guide lawyers of sex crime cases in court. It reveals the necessity to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the alleged sexual crimes and obtain an adequate basis for deciding guilt. The book also points out the different stages of a sex crime case and the roles of the people involved in the case. It includes excerpts from witnesses in four different sex cases, including cases of incest rape.

PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK

Lena Hellblom Sjögren, PhD, is the mother of 4 children, a grandmother of 5 and the oldest of 8 siblings. For more than 25 years, Dr. Sjögren’s focus has been on parental alienation and to try to put attention to the fact that many children and families – also grandparents and other family members - are harmed for life through this phenomenon to without a justified cause cut off a child from the child´s family roots. Dr. Sjögren is also a member of PASG Board of Directors CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

BOOKS OF NOTE

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INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS SCOTLAND: Kevin Kane appointed new Chief Executive of Shared Parenting Scotland Shared Parenting Scotland can announce the appointment of Kevin Kane as Chief Executive.

Shared Parenting Scotland is Scotland’s foremost shared parenting charity. Since opening its doors in 2010 Shared Parenting Scotland has offered advice and support to thousands of non-resident mothers, non-resident fathers, new partners, grandparents and wider family members to put the long-term wellbeing of their children at the heart of their thinking after divorce or separation. More than a third of the children in Scotland’s schools have parents who do not live together.

Kevin takes up the post after nearly six years as head of policy and research at YouthLink Scotland (National Agency for Youth Work). Before that he was Policy and Research Lead at Victim Support Scotland. He is also volunteer Director and Company Secretary of Play Scotland (National Experts for Play).

Kevin Kane says, “As the incoming Chief Executive I am honoured and excited to join an organisation with such a proud history of advocating for children’s rights through promoting the benefits of shared parenting. As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to reaffirm the values that lie at the core of our mission: a child-centred approach, equality, empowerment, and respect for family di-

versity. For children, having stable and loving relationships with both parents promotes their emotional well-being, academic achievement, and social development. For parents, shared parenting cooperation reduces conflict, enabling them to work together in their child’s best interests. Our children deserve the best of both their parents.

Many families face legal, financial, and cultural barriers to shared parenting, and misunderstandings about what shared parenting entails can lead to resistance or fear.

This is why our work at Shared Parenting Scotland is so crucial. We provide practical support to families, advocate for evidence-based policies, and challenge misconceptions about shared parenting.”

Kevin has posted a full vision statement to Shared Parenting Scotland clients and supporters on the charity’s website: Kevin Kane appointed new Chief Executive of Shared Parenting Scotland - Shared Parenting Scotland Chair of the Shared Parenting Scotland Trustees, Sumit Ghosh says, “We welcome Kevin in this new role as Chief Executive. We pay tribute to the steadfast leadership of Ian Maxwell over 15 years in building an organisation that is respected across the sector and which has supported thousands of mothers, fathers and grandparents find a way to nourish and maintain family relationships after divorce or separation. The challenges are still many but the rewards are precious for children of parents who commit themselves to work together as co-parents.”

“Preserving family ties when parents choose to separate”

A holistic child reunification program agency offering clinical and supervised visitation services for children in temporary foster care and those in families where parents have needfor third party facilitation.

All services on sliding scale and flexible times, weekends and holidays included!

Can you use a Toby Center in your community? Want to partner with us?

We are expanding nationwide!

Contact us! Info@thetobycenter.org or Dr. Mark Roseman, CEO,at tel. 855-862-9236. Visit www.thetobycenter.org for more details!

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INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

Visit www.thetobycenter.org

Now Serving Connecticut and Massachusetts!

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS

SCOTLAND: £100,000+ Bills for Some Parents Asking Court to Settle Arrangements for Time with Children After Separation or Divorce The 2024 Shared Parenting Scotland annual ‘user survey’ of clients who have received the charity’s help in the past year has revealed the eyewatering bills run up by parents who find themselves asking the legal system to settle arrangements for time with their children after divorce or separation.

13% of those who responded to the survey had faced costs of £100,00+ in lawyers’ fees, court costs and professional reports such as Child Welfare Reports or Child Psychology Reports.

A further 24% had spent more than £25,000. In all more than 54% had spent more than £10,000.

Fathers and mothers who responded to the survey explained they had mortgaged their home, and borrowed from family and friends to cover the costs. One had lost their home completely. [Elsewhere in the User Survey, 22% said they were eligible for legal aid but were forced to pay as private clients because they could not find a solicitor to take on their case.]

minority of cases that raise points of law or difficult evidence. Jurisdictions around the world are exploring a ‘problem-solving’ approach that is less damaging to children, less costly, faster and doesn’t compel parents to attack each other to win time with their children.”

POSITIVE RESULTS FOR PARENTS WHO GET IN TOUCH WITH SHARED PARENTING SCOTLAND Elsewhere in the 2024 user survey, in response to the question: “What progress have you made since you first contacted Shared Parenting Scotland?” u 58% report increased contact with their children u 67% report experiencing less stress or anxiety themselves

u 21% have better communication with their children u 20% have better communication with their ex-partner u 22% have better communication with their children’s school In response to the question, “Which aspects of Shared Parenting Scotland support have you found useful?” u 21% found attending a group meeting “life-saving”, and 46% very useful or useful u 16% found contact with the SPS helpline “life-saving”, and 66% very useful or useful u 20% found meeting an SPS staff member “life-saving” and 50% very useful or useful The authors ask that readers help distribute this article far and wide, particularly to scientists who study child maltreatment so that they may include the new measure in their research.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BILL - UNSPLASH.COM

Shared Parenting Scotland National Manager, Ian Maxwell, says, “These are eyewatering sums. There must be a better way.

Many of these individuals paying privately may have had their ex-partner funded by legal aid on the other side so the total costs of their court case will be far greater than their own bills.

Some report an impression that when their ex-partner receives legal aid they have no incentive to reach a negotiated settlement.

It is unlikely that the general public – and maybe not all sheriffs – appreciate the high cost of ‘going to court’.

Our preferred solution is to find ways of resolving disagreements about sharing the parenting of their children after divorce or separation outside the adversarial approach of the courts, except for the CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

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SWEDEN: Svensk författningssamling (Swedish Code of Statutes) Act Amending the Parental Code According to the decision of the Riksdag1, with regard to the Parental Code2, it is stipulated

or with someone else who is particularly close to the child, the guardian must provide information according to the first sentence.

that Chapter 6. Sections 2a, 8 and 15 shall be worded as follows, and that seven new sections shall be introduced, Chapter 6.

Section 19 a and Chapter 20. Sections 9–10c, with the following wording.

19 a § If it is necessary in a case or matter concerning custody, residence or access to the child in order to assess the risk of the child being harmed, the court shall obtain an expert opinion from a licensed psychologist.

Chapter 6.

2 a §3 The best interests of the child shall be decisive in all matters concerning custody, housing and access.

When assessing what is best for the child, particular attention must be paid to the risk that the child or someone else in the family will be exposed to violence or other abuse, or that the child will be unlawfully removed or retained or otherwise harmed.

8 §4 If a child has been permanently cared for and brought up in a private home other than the parental home and it is in the child's best interests that the prevailing relationship is allowed to continue and that custody is transferred to the person or persons who have taken in the child or any of them, the court shall appoint the person or persons to exercise custody of the child as specially appointed guardians.

When assessing whether it is in the best interests of the child that custody is transferred, the court must take particular account of – the child's and the foster parents' attitude to a custody transfer, – the child's relationship with the foster parents and their ability to meet the child's need for a safe and good upbringing, – the foster parents' attitude to and ability to meet the child's need for contact with their parents and other close relatives, – the child's relationship with his or her parents, and 8

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Chapter 20.

PHOTO BY DRAHOMÍR HUGO POSTEBY-MACHUNSPLASH.COM

– the child's social situation in general.

Issues concerning the transfer of custody are examined on the basis of an application by the Social Welfare Board.

15 §5 The child shall have the right to contact with a parent with whom he or she does not live, except when it is contrary to the best interests of the child. The contact can take place by the child and the parent meeting each other or by having other contact. The child's parents have a joint responsibility for ensuring that the child's need for contact with a parent with whom the child does not live is met as far as possible.

Specially appointed guardians and a temporary guardian have corresponding responsibilities. The child's guardian has a responsibility to ensure that the child's need for contact with someone else who is particularly close to him or her is met as far as possible.

If the child is under the custody of both parents and is going to spend time with a parent with whom he or she does not live, the other parent must provide such information about the child as may promote contact, unless there are special reasons against it. If the child is to spend time with a parent who is not a guardian

9 §6 In a case concerning the transfer of custody to one or two specially appointed guardians pursuant to Chapter 6. Sections 7–8a or 10e, or in a case before the Social Welfare Board concerning such a transfer of custody, a public counsel shall be appointed for the child, unless it must be assumed that there is no need for counsel.

In a case or matter specified in the first paragraph, public counsel shall also be appointed for the child's guardians, unless it must be assumed that there is no need for counsel.

9a§ In a case before the Social Welfare Board, public counsel is appointed in accordance with Section 9 by the court competent to hear the question of transfer of custody. The Court Cases Act (1996:242) is applied to the court's proceedings.

10 §7 The person who is a public counsel for the child shall ensure that the child's rights according to Chapter 6.

2 b § first paragraph to receive information and the opportunity to express one's views is accommodated. The child's public counsel may talk to the child without the consent of the guardian and without the guardian being present.

10 a § Only a person may be appointed as public counsel for the child who, by virtue of his or her knowledge and experience and is also otherwise particularly suitable for the assignment.

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10 b § In a case concerning the transfer of custody, the person who is the public counsel for the child shall be ordered to make a statement in writing and summoned to a hearing as if he or she were counsel for a party.

PHOTO BY BRIAN GORDILLO - UNSPLASH.COM

10 b § A person who is a public counsel for the child has the right to take part in 2SFS 2024:1174 what has been added to the case or case concerning the transfer of custody. _________________ This Act shall enter into force on 1 January 2025.

On behalf of the Government GUNNAR STRÖMMER Felix Rådberg (Ministry of Justice) 3

Review by Lena Hellblom Sjögren, PhD

Proposition 2024/25:10 Safer Homes for Children.

Discussion of its Legislative Changes The Riksdag has decided on legislative changes to the Parental Code (FB). The changes to the law entered into force on 1 January 2025 and will then also apply to already ongoing cases and cases.

The purpose of the amendments to the law is to strengthen the protection of children against violence and other violations and to strengthen the safety and stability of children who are placed in family homes.

The second paragraph states what the social welfare committee and the court must pay particular attention to when it assesses the child's best interests. The change in the legal text means that the child's need for close and good contact with both parents is no longer mentioned as a circumstance to which it must attach special attention.

An addition is also made which highlights the risk of the child or someone else in the family being exposed to violence. Although violence is included in the concept of abuse, the assessment is that there is value in particularly highlighting violence in CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

the legal text. By violence is meant not only physical violence but all forms of violence.

The change means that the risk of the child getting hurt gets a particularly prominent place in the assessment of the child's best interests. It also marks that other considerations, i.a. the need for a close and good contact with both parents, are subordinate to the risk of the child getting hurt. If a risk of harm to the child can be foreseen, that risk must weigh more heavily in the assessment of what is best for the child.

The fact that the child's need for close and good contact with both parents is subordinate to the risk of the child getting hurt does not mean that this need is unimportant. Children have the right to a close and good contact with both their parents, if it does not conflict with the child's best interests. If no appreciable risk of harm to the child can be foreseen, the need for close and good contact with both parents must, as a rule, weigh heavily in the assessment of the child's best interests.

Dr. Sjogren is researcher and licensed psychologist since 1975, practicing since 1991 as a forensic psychologist investigating complicated custody and sexual abuse cases. She has testified over 250 times in courts throughout Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom and speaks internationally on child abuse.

She a European leader for the Parental Alienation Study Group (PASG) and served as co-chair of the PASG Oslo Conference, September 2024.

Contact: Lena Hellblom Sjögren, lenahellblomsjogren@gmail.com filosofie dr, legitimerad psykolog; Testimonia, 3 V-förlaget www.avskildabarn.se INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

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PORTUGAL: Shared Parenting in Practice: Challenges and Opportunities - Change of Venue: Brazil to Portugal Due to unforeseen circumstances, the ICSP 2025 Conference will now be held in Lisbon, Portugal, between 3-6 December 2025.

Current changes in Brazilian family law institutions, which are no longer able to provide support for our conference, led to our decision to change the venue. Given our institutional links in Portugal, as well as a connection between Brazilian and Portuguese family legislation, we decided that the conference be held at the University of Lisbon.

Call for Papers The Seventh International Conference on Shared Parenting (ICSP) will be held in Lisbon, Portugal from 3-6 December 2025 at the University of Lisbon The conference will be held in person at the University of Lisbon with the option to join virtually for those unable to attend physically. Specialists in the field of shared parenting and other family related issues representing the academic sciences, the legal and family professions, and civil society are invited to present their research results, professional practice accounts, and examples of best practice and impact at this international, interdisciplinary and interprofessional conference. The theme of this conference is: Shared Parenting in Practice: Challenges and Opportunities Since the formation of ICSP in 2014, there has been a growing consensus globally that

shared parenting, where children alternate their home life across households, represents not just a viable model of family life for children and young people but in the majority of cases the most desirable outcome for them where parents do not live together. However, the ways in which shared parenting is enacted and the extent to which it is understood and supported in practice varies enormously from country to country and across jurisdictions. This is due not least to the different ways in which shared parenting can be viewed, depending on whether it is being considered as a judicial decision, a family practice, an administrative framework, a discourse, an aspiration, an ideology or a political tool. To this we might also add a psychological or emotional imperative.

The conference organisers seek contributions that will help unpack and address the challenges and opportunities that arise for shared parenting in practice from and through these different lenses. We are delighted to be able to host the ICSP Conference for 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, and are particularly keen to hear from potential contributors from Brazil and South America more generally where shared parenting has come to the fore in recent years raising both challenges and opportunities in equal measure. As a powerhouse of Latin America, the legal, social and cultural drivers that surround all aspects of shared parenting in practice within Brazil can provide a helpful barometer of change and transforma-

tion not just within the Americas but across the global south more generally. For this reason, many of the presentations will be simultaneously translated in English and Portuguese, making this a truly powerful and compelling opportunity.

The ICSP scientific committee cordially invite submissions for oral presentations that correspond to completed scientific research and practical accounts on a wide variety of topics linked, but not limited to, the conference theme. These include: u Shared Parenting under Brazilian and South America Laws (e.g. the rule of law and effectiveness of civil justice systems; recent legal challenges on the Brazilian Civil Code; Parental Alienation in the context of Brazilian and South America Laws) u Family Violence and Child protection (e.g. Family violence and UNCRC under the Istanbul Convention and Brazilian Law; Family violence and shared parenting under the Council of Europe law and the Barnahus model; Parental Alienation and family disruption; Research integrity and the UN report on Parental Alienation) u Representation of children and specialised training (e.g. child advocates; legal, social work, early years and child educators, third sector; family mediation, family therapy) u Shared parenting, mental health and self-esteem (e.g. cooperative co-parenting, parallel parenting, parental conflict; trauma and attachment; neuroscience and neuropsychology; notions of home and belongingness) u The child‘?’s best interests (The evolution and/or devolution of shared parenting law, policy and practice; regulating family responsibilities; in camera family proceedings or allowing representatives of the press access to family courts) u Shared parenting and wider familial and kinship groups (e.g. shared residence and social and cultural capital; the role of grandparents, siblings and

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CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS PHOTO BY WIRESTOCK - PEXELS.COM

step-parents; shared parenting in the context of children with special educational needs and disabilities)

Call for Papers ICSP Lisbon 2025 – submission form (Type "bit.ly/4kaKgYv", if you're reading this on paper)

u Family and child public policy (e.g. social policy – housing, parental leave, child support, child benefit packages, child and family welfare; the economics of shared parenting; economic policies in the context of changes in labour markets and economies)

We also welcome joint submissions for synchronous Round Table discussions, for example exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of shared parenting. In this instance, please use the same link to submit a 350 – 450 word abstract outlining your roundtable discussion and who would be part of the panel.

u Shared Parenting and demographic trends (e.g. shared parenting in the context of a decline in fertility; or where countries have witnessed rapid population growth) u Post separation parenting, Artificial Intelligence and technology (e.g. family communication; the role of technology/ digital tools in helping parents and children manage post-separation care arrangements; maintaining consistency in parenting approaches through technology; Post-separation parenting apps, including: shared calendars, parenting planning software, expense trackers and communication tools; improving family experiences accessing family and children justice; improvements of court and family management cases based on AI and technology; AI supporting decision making; ).

If you are interested in submitting a paper for consideration to present at the conference, please prepare and submit a 350-450 word abstract of your oral presentation (format .doc/docx, .odt, .txt) by Monday 31 March, 2025 using the following link: CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

The abstracts should be written in English or Portuguese. The primary language at the conference will be English, but translation services for multiple languages are being organised. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable presenting in the English language, ICSP is working to accommodate presentations made in Portuguese.

Please indicate whether you intend to attend the Conference in-person or online.

Please also include the names of any co-authors and whether they intend to attend in-person or online. Your proposal will be reviewed by members of the ICSP Scientific Committee, and notifications of acceptance will be made by Friday 25 April, 2025.

For more information about the conference, please follow the link: Lisbon 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact conference@twohomes.org.

Please note: We encourage contributions from Early Career Researchers (ECR)

in any discipline working in the field of shared parenting.

And finally, in recognition of the importance of a wide range of media as a means to communicate ideas, and showcase practice, for the first time at a ICSP Conference the scientific committee are inviting innovative and creative non-oral presentation submissions in the CREATIVE ARTS and MEDIA that have as their theme shared parenting. These might include but are not restricted to: Film /Documentaries, Photography, Art installation, Poster presentations, Short theatre pieces Potentially running as a parallel stream throughout the conference. In this respect, we are also inviting those with an interest in or developing post-separation parenting apps and related technology to contact us if they wish to showcase their technology during the conference.

About the Organisers: The International Council on Shared Parenting (ICSP), founded 2014 and based in Bonn, Germany, is an international association with individual members from the sectors of science, family professions and civil society. The purpose of the association is first, the dissemination and advancement of scientific knowledge on the needs and rights (best interests) of children whose parents are living apart, and second, to formulate evidence-based recommendations about the legal, judicial and practical implementation of shared parenting.

Website: twohomes.org INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

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DENMARK: Family Law Legislation in Denmark to Prohibit Parental Alienation to Protect Children’s Best Interests for Both Parents

Danish Parliament: New Legislation on Harassment and Parental Alienation, L66 20242025. It resulted in the new Danish family law coming into force the 1st of January 2025:

https://www.ft.dk/samling/20241/ lovforslag/l66/20241_l66_som_vedtaget.htm The Parliament in Denmark has decided that PA shall be considered in all family court decisions starting January 1, 2025.

The Parliament has thereby emphasized that PA is not allowed* and stated that PA is a reality. In most cases, immediate contact shall be secured for the child within four weeks; if this is not possible, all parental examinations shall be done and a decision made within a maximum of four months.

This new law builds on harassment and PA legislation in place since 2015 and 2019. In 2019 a new system was initiated. A special unit interviews the children and provide a

contact person for children in family court processes. The parents are offered mediation. Multi-disciplinary teams collaborate, and case workers will be educated about PA in the years 2025–2027.

Background: This law is the result of Jesper Lohse’s successful efforts in 2023 in the European Court of Human Rights and legal landscape in recent years created changes to Danish family law.

Lohse is Chairman of The Danish organization called "Organization Father"/ "Foreningen Far" is the oldest organization in the Nordic countries, founded in 1977. They offer free consultation on phone, online, in consultation centres, and in self-help groups led by a coach for parents and grandparents. Lohse has been advocating shared parenting and controls against parental alienation. In 2023, he successfully argued his own case

"Immediate contact shall be secured for the child within 4 weeks; if this is not possible, (...) a decision shall be made within a maximum of 4 months".

for time sharing in the European Court of Human Rights: Supreme Court BS-57945/2024-HJR, Lohse v. Denmark https://www.domstol.dk/ hoejesteret/aktuelt-fra-hoejesteret/ nye-sager/ This decision provides that there be parental leave (50/50) with at least 3 months for each parent. It was also that year decided that family violence and crisis centres should be seen as gender equal by law., that is the discrimination was abolished.

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The Contemporary Family Quarterly Podcast. Listen every week as Dr. Mark Roseman talk to key individuals from around the world discussing the current practices and the many changes that have begun taking place in Family Courts to give children a voice.

Each episode brings you key information for Practitioners and for Parents from around the world. This ground breaking format allows individuals and groups to come together from around the world and learn from each other on how to give children in the family courts a solid voice in their future.

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INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

THE FUTURE CAN BE BETTER DR. ROSEMAN'S BOOK "PRESERVING FAMILY TIES" IS AVAILABLE NOW!

"The book will give the reader a historical background of Family Court was well as a direction for the future. It is a must reading for the professional and for the layman facing litigation. The summary of the research is excellent and easy to understand.”

Dr. Douglas Darnall Author, Divorce Casualties “The reference book by Dr. Roseman provides all readers with a common understanding of divorce dynamics, child custody variables, and opportunities for improved child outcomes when parents decide to separate and divorce. Parent alienation is included in the text but it should be avoided at all levels for each parent.”

Dr. Richard Sauber Founding Editor, American Journal of Family Therapy Co-Editor, The International Handbook on Parental Alienation Syndromes “Dr. Roseman has completed a very thorough and helpful guide for families of divorce as well as professionals. Very carefully researched and written. No matter how much you think you know about divorce and how to lessen its impacts, you will learn something here.”

Dr. Donald A. Gordon, Professor Emeritus, Ohio University Available from: Westbow Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other retailers.

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13

Parental Alienation: What Science Tells Us About Splitting

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by Kathleen M. Reay, PhD, FAAETS Introduction f you’re a parent caught in a high-conflict divorce or custody battle, you may feel like your child has suddenly turned against you for no reason.

They may refuse to spend time with you, make hurtful comments, or idolize the other parent while seeing you as “the bad parent.” But how can we tell when a child’s rejection is legitimate and justifiable versus when it’s illegitimate and unjustifiable?

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

Two recent studies I co-researched, “An Objective Measure of Splitting in Parental Alienation: The Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire” in 2018 and “Measuring the Difference Between Parental Alienation and Parental Estrangement: The PARQ-Gap” in 2020 were published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.

Both studies provide new insights into how we can measure parental alienation scientifically. These studies help explain why some children see one parent as “all good” and the other as “all bad”- a thinking pattern called splitting- and how we can identify when it’s happening.

What is Splitting, and Why Does It Matter?

Splitting is a way of thinking where a person (in this case, a child) sees things in extreme black-and-white terms. Instead of recognizing that both parents have strengths and weaknesses, an alienated child may idolize one parent and completely reject the other, even if the rejected parent has done nothing wrong.

For example, imagine your child used to love spending time with you, but after your divorce, they suddenly refuse to see you, saying things like: u "You’ve always been a terrible parent.” u “You never loved me.” u “Mom/Dad is the only one who has ever cared about me.”

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u “I hate you. I never want to see you again. I wish you were dead.”

how they see each of their parents-whether they feel loved, supported, or rejected.

This kind of drastic shift can be heartbreaking and confusing for the rejected parent. But these studies show that it’s also measurable, giving parents and professionals a way to recognize and address it.

Who We Tested We tested four groups of children:

Study 1: How We Measured Splitting in Children In the first study, we used a well-established questionnaire called the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ).

This tool asks children questions about

u 45 severely alienated children – those who idealized one parent while rejecting the other. u 35 children from intact families – those living with both parents. u 20 children of divorced parents – those regularly seeing both parents.

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markedly deficient parenting, meaning the child’s rejection was more likely influenced by the other parent rather than based on actual mistreatment.

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u 16 neglected children – those whose parents were divorced or separated, but the children did not see both parents on a regular basis. In this research, all the neglected children lived with their mothers and rarely or never saw their fathers.

How We Tested The 45 severely alienated children and the 71 non-alienated children completed the PARQ for both parents to assess perceptions of acceptance or rejection.

What We Found u Alienated children had extreme scores, rating one parent as nearly perfect and the other as completely bad. u Non-alienated children and those from intact families did not show this black-andwhite thinking-they recognized that both parents had positive and negative traits. u This means that alienation can be measured objectively, rather than relying only on opinions or observations.

Study 2: The PARQ Gap – A New Way to Measure Alienation The second study took this a step further by creating the PARQ Gap Score – a way to measure how extreme the difference is in how a child views each parent.

What We Found u The bigger the gap between how a child rated one parent versus the other, the more severe the alienation. u In all of the cases, the parent being rejected had no history of abuse, neglect, or

u Using a PARQ-Gap score of 90 as the cutoff, the test was 99% accurate in distinguishing severely alienated children from non-alienated ones.

This research provides a reliable method to differentiate parental alienation from other causes of contact refusal.

The PARQ-Gap can be a valuable tool for clinicians and forensic practitioners evaluating children of separated or divorced parents where parental alienation is a concern.

Why This Matters for Parents If you’re a parent dealing with alienation, these studies offer scientific proof that what you’re experiencing is real. They also provide tools that can help: u Family courts use more objective measures to recognize alienation. u Mental health professionals assess children fairly and recommend appropriate treatment. u Parents better understand what’s happening and advocate for themselves and their children.

What Can You Do If You Suspect Alienation?

If you notice signs that your child may be experiencing splitting, consider: 1. Keeping a record – Note changes in behavior, things your child says, and any concerning patterns.

2. Seeking professional help – A mental health professional who has received training in assessing and treating parental alienation and trained in administering the PARQ, can assess the situation and recommend steps to repair the relationship.

PHOTO BY COTTONBRO - PEXELS.COM

3. Understanding the legal process – If you’re in a custody battle, these scientific findings can help make a strong case in court.

Conclusion Parental alienation is painful, but it can now be measured in a way that helps parents, courts, and mental health professionals recognize when it’s happening. By understanding the PARQ and the PARQ Gap Score, we can move toward solutions that help- children rebuild healthy relationships with both parents.

If you’re struggling with parental alienation, know that you are not alone, and science is making progress in recognizing and addressing this issue. For more information on these studies, please feel free to contact this writer at drkreay@gmail.com or at www.familyreflectionsprogram.com Bernet W, Gregory N, Reay KM, Rohner RP. An Objective Measure of Splitting in Parental Alienation: The Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire. J Forensic Sci. 2018 May;63(3):776-783. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.13625.

Epub 2017 Aug 17. PMID: 28833110.

Bernet W, Gregory N, Rohner RP, Reay KM. Measuring the Difference Between Parental Alienation and Parental Estrangement: The PARQ-Gap. J Forensic Sci. 2020 Jul;65(4):1225-1234. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.14300. Epub 2020 Feb 18. PMID: 32069364.

Kathleen M. Reay, PhD, FAAETS is an esteemed researcher and therapeutic practitioner in Canada of more than forty years. She earned a Ph. D. in psychology, M.A. in Counselling Psychology, B.A. in Psychology, and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Family Studies. In 2010, she was honored to achieve Diplomate status with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS). She is currently an esteemed member of the B.C. Association of Clinical Counselors (British Columbia, Canada). Contact: drkreay@gmail.com CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

15

Editorial from Sun Sentinel: Don’t Discourage Anonymous Abuse Calls

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by Sun Sentinel Editorial Board orida has long sought to protect its kids on the cheap.

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

Multiple governors and legislatures saddled the chronically underfunded Department of Children and Families (DCF) with any number of social headaches beyond child welfare, from drug treatment to Medicaid eligibility to child-care licensing.

The law now has a presumption that even if a caller’s tip is wrong, the tipster acted in good faith. SB 60 strips this presumption from anonymous callers when tips are not proved, and with it, their anonymity and legal immunity from liability.

Tallahassee also repeatedly tries sound-bite solutions to complex issues with little regard for long-term wreckage.

Enter state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, Republican of Doral, and Senate Bill 60.

Even a school employee who unknowingly allows a child to go home with a noncustodial parent, or a parent ignoring court-ordered visitation dates, could face criminal prosecution.

The Miami-Dade lawmaker’s proposal takes aim at custodial interference in divorces, particularly at parents who hurl unwarranted accusations of abuse at each other. This is a bargain-basement answer to a serious problem and will do more harm than good.

It not only threatens school employees with criminal prosecution and injects custody battles into the definition of domestic violence, but undercuts the anonymity at the heart of Florida’s abuse reporting.

For the 2025 session Although it would likely undergo revisions before reaching the governor, this bad bill still stands a chance of becoming bad law.

One reason: Once-dependable independent legislative staff analyses of bills have been watered down over the years. Often, they no longer provide thoughtful assessments of the impact of proposed legislation.

That loss of perspective is especially problematic when a bill has elements of political catnip, as this one does. Who doesn’t want to protect unjustly accused parents? What lawmakers want to see a news story that they voted against a bill that does?

The right question is, why would anyone back a law that will effectively keep people from reporting suspected child abuse?

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As it stands now, they can anonymously pick up a phone and know someone will take them seriously. That changes under Rodriguez’s bill, which is co-sponsored by two South Florida Democrats, senators Rosalind Osgood of Fort Lauderdale and Shevrin Jones of Miami Gardens.

Without good-faith immunity, bystanders, neighbors and worried relatives would all be forced to get right what doctors, judges and child advocates frequently get wrong.

Social workers mistakenly miss evidence of abuse, as in the case of a six-year-old Jacksonville girl murdered in August a month after an anonymous caller tipped DCF to abuse.

SB 60 requires DCF staffers screening tips to the Florida Abuse Hotline to give anonymous callers less credence and more scrutiny.

“An anonymous report must be more closely scrutinized and may not be afforded the same presumption of good faith as a report made by a person who identifies himself or herself,” the 53-page bill states.

Automatically suspecting callers who are reluctant to identify themselves ignores the reality of child abuse.

Stripping away protections People reporting possible abuse want anonymity because they’re afraid. Neighbors living close enough to hear beatings and worse are afraid they might be assaulted, too. Workers reporting colleagues or bosses fear being fired. Children who see it or live with it are afraid, too.

Sarasota pediatrician Sally Smith spent years wrongly diagnosing child abuse, ripping families apart. Judges can get allegations wrong, too, dismissing credible reports of abuse as parental alienation syndrome, a concept disputed by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

False reports not the problem In fact, given Florida’s long and shameful history of children whose abuse continued even after a report, lawmakers should be less worried about false reporting than the many abuse reports that are dismissed outright or ignored.

In the 17 months ending last November, more than three out of every 10 reports, anonymous or not, were dismissed before CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

an investigation, DCF data shows. Broward did slightly better. But in some months in Palm Beach and Orange counties, almost half of all intake reports were not accepted for investigation.

Response

by Dr. Mark Roseman

There are fake calls, and not just spurious accusations in custody suits. But there will be a human price for discouraging reports or automatic skepticism. And Rodriguez ought to know it, given some of the other bills filed this session.

A mandatory reporter, I remind our staff providing supervised visitation to be vigilant towards children’s appearance and behaviors, particularly as they relate to DCF’s guide for signs of child abuse, neglect and malnourishment.

Five bills filed for this session on behalf of dead or brutalized children seek a combined $69 million in damage payments, largely because someone didn’t take abuse reports seriously enough.

In fifteen years serving South Florida for Circuit 15 and 17, a Toby Center field staff member has found it necessary to report at least one incident, personally and anonymously. But further inquiry has also involved the identification when potential criminal charges may be brought.

One bill (SB 30) would require the Broward Sheriff ’s Office to pay $2.5 million to the father of a child who died in 2016 because BSO failed to protect her from the mother’s abusive roommate, who’s serving a 14-year sentence for aggravated manslaughter of a child.

The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Opinion Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman, and Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant. To contact us, email at letters@sun-sentinel.com.

Originally Published: January 8, 2025 at 2:25 PM EST

That “(E)ven a school employee who unknowingly allows a child to go home with a noncustodial parent, or a parent ignoring court-ordered visitation dates, could face criminal prosecution” is an important matter to review at the Boards of Education. Importantly, and as we have known of over these years, it is highly unusual for schools to release children inappropriately to those without custody.

The usual is that we find many parents are blocked from schools at the urging of a custodial parent seeking to block access by the non custodial parent from as many contacts as possible.

That there are those who will “mistakenly miss evidence of abuse” is horrific. It shows that not just mandatory reporting must be compelled, but that those who miss the signs of abuse need to be regularly educated to these sad, but necessary requirements for reporting.

I do agree with the Editors that lawmakers “should be less worried about false reporting than the many abuse reports that are dismissed outright or ignored.

This can be remedied when judges are no longer rotated from different court venues as family to civil to criminal to dependency, etc. If we can demand that judges

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serve in these critical areas full time, and on a career path within the specialty of family issues, then all society will be best served according to research (and judges’ admissions themselves).

Furthermore, it needs to be understood that though ‘parental alienation syndrome’ may not be accepted by the APA or NCJFCJ, it is to be clear that both agree that alienating, or brainwashing behaviors by one parent towards the other is child abuse and documented so by these organizations.

The Florida Bar Association issue in its March 1999 publication stated that “parental alienation has to do with the existence of a positive relationship between the minor children and the now absent or nonresidential parent, prior to the marital separation; and a substantial deterioration of it since then. Such a recognized decline does not occur on its own” Furthermore, it “ is unmistakable.

In a longitudinal study of 700 “high conflict” divorce cases followed over 12 years, it was concluded that elements of PAS are present in the vast majority of the samples.” The authors state that “the phenomenon of one parent turning the child against the other parent is not a complicated concept.”

We find that such efforts to exist as a pattern in more than one third of our 500 cases annually statewide.

Child abuse is endemic, when parents care little for themselves, and less for their children.

Dr. Mark Roseman, Founder The Toby Center for Family Transitions (Delray Beach) 17

Response by Chris Felder I defend the Child Safety and Custody Compliance Act (SB-60/HB-193) in response to your January 9 editorial, Don’t Discourage Anonymous Abuse Calls.

While I share your concern for child safety, your analysis oversimplifies the bill and its broader context. It narrowly focuses on proposed language changes without considering the criminal justice statutes that comprise the bill. This perspective overlooks the current legal framework and how the bill addresses gaps within it. Let me offer a more comprehensive view.

Every day in Florida, parents unlawfully deny the other parent custody or visitation rights—an issue the legislature first addressed in 1975. Despite judicial precedent affirming law enforcement’s duty to intervene, enforcement is nonexistent. Family court judges confirm that law enforcement wrongly assumes these matters fall solely within family courts' jurisdiction. In response, the legislature has strengthened protections, classifying such actions as child abuse due to the emotional harm inflicted on children, and as domestic violence, equating them to familial kidnapping. Yet, enforcement remains nonexistent.

Your claim that the bill "is a bargain-basement answer to a serious problem and will do more harm than good" acknowledges the immeasurable harm caused to the child and left-behind family, leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars, yet dismisses the proposed solution without offering alternatives. Your response undermines the bill’s intent to address critical gaps in child protection.

The bill aims to close legislative gaps by codifying judicial precedent, addressing failures across family courts, law enforcement, DCF, and schools. These institutions often fail to uphold existing protections. By ensuring consistent adherence to legal frameworks, the bill promotes accountability and strengthens enforcement across these sectors.

Your assertion that the bill “threatens school employees [who unknowingly allow a child to go home with a noncus18

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todial parent] with criminal prosecution” and “undercuts anonymity” is misleading.

While the bill makes this explicit, school employees are already subject to statutes that enforce parenting plans.

Contrary to your claims, a review of the statutes affected by the bill reveals that the provision adjusting trust in anonymous abuse reports does not “discourage reporting” or delay investigations. Rather, it ensures that all reports, including anonymous ones, are thoroughly examined while addressing the potential harm of false claims. The bill upholds the fundamental duty to report abuse and reinforces the responsibility of agencies—particularly DCF—to conduct rigorous investigations. Its goal is to prevent harm to families from misuse of the reporting system and to better protect them, especially from repeated anonymous reports.

The bill addresses shortcomings in enforcing child-parent relationships post-separation by clarifying the roles of family courts, law enforcement, DCF, and schools. It resolves issues related to unclear guidance, insufficient training, and misinterpretation of authority, ensuring consistent protection of these relationships—even in the absence of a court order. Key provisions include: 1. Balanced Custody Enforcement: Mandates law enforcement uphold custody rights and prevent wrongful denial, reducing emotional distress for children.

2. Immediate Child Protection: Requires prompt Family Court responses to custody issues, ensuring timely intervention.

3. Accountability for Custody Enforcement: Imposes penalties on DCF investigators who neglect their duties, safeguarding children.

4. Expanded Protections for Custodial Interference: Broadens definitions of "domestic violence" and "child abuse" to include custodial interference, ensuring prompt action.

5. School Custody Compliance: Requires schools to enforce custody arrangements and verify identity for child pick-ups.

Chris Felder, a Sarasota-based advocate for family legal reform, serves as Florida Chair for the National Parents Organization and Founder of FamilyGuardians.org, supporting families facing family abduction and custody challenges. He played a key role in drafting SB-60/HB-193 (2025) to strengthen child-parent protections. Now running for Florida House Representative, District 74, he champions family-first policies, government transparency and accountability, and legal system modernization. Contact: chrisfelder@sharedparenting.org

6. Domestic Violence and Custody: Provides flexibility for protective injunctions to balance custody laws with safety.

7. Modernized Interference Laws: Updates laws to address modern communication methods (e.g., Facetime and mobile text) that disrupt custody.

8. Scrutiny of Reports: Ensures closer examination of anonymous reports to prevent misuse.

9. Penalties for False Reporting: Expands false reporting definitions, protects good faith reporters, and increases penalties for negligent or reckless reports, strengthening child protection.

10. Missing Children Representation: Appoints a dedicated advocate for missing children, ensuring transparency in reporting.

The bill is a crucial step toward ensuring the protection of children and holding institutions accountable in family matters. It addresses enforcement gaps, clarifies the roles of family courts and agencies, and ensures consistent protection of child-parent relationships, even without a court order. While the system’s intent is to protect, its flaws often result in harm. This bill aims to remedy these flaws, promote responsible reporting, and establish a safer, more reliable framework for families navigating separation. I urge you to support this bill and recognize its importance in addressing the real challenges faced by CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

pasg NEWS

Tribute to William Bernet, MD

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by Jennifer J. Harman, PhD

T IS AN INEVITABLE but nonetheless sad occasion that William (Bill) Bernet is retiring and stepping down from his role as our long-time President of PASG. To say that his contributions to the field of parental alienation have been significant is a gross understatement and I have no idea how to begin writing a synopsis of them.

From helping to establish PASG and building the largest database of publications about parental alienation through Vanderbilt University, to conducting seminal research and defending the scientific basis of what we know today about the problem, to coordinating the writing and editing of books that are permanent desk references for many of us, to diligently working with professional organizations to raise awareness of this issue, Bill has been a pioneer and strong advocate in the frontlines fighting for families and the professionals who work with them.

I would be remiss if I did not highlight the no-nonsense yet cordial approach that Bill takes with others, an essential skill in this space that is often rife with conflict, even among those considered allies. By constantly attempting to identify and bridge differences across professionals and individuals who deny or minimize the existence, extent and impact of parental alienation, Bill has facilitated a space for professionals and scientists to work and have their accomplishments recognized.

He has always been open for collaboration, finding new paths forward, calling out misinformation and unethical behavior that harms the field, and challenging us all to keep moving forward, despite the many professional setbacks we have all experienced. He has been an inspiration to me and many others, and we will all feel his loss as the PASG president and scholar in the field acutely.

I am quite emotional in writing this note about Bill and so I am struggling to find

ways to end it. So, I will just end with a personal “thank you” for all that he has contributed to this field. We are all the better for it. I have enjoyed our many collaborative papers and projects and learned so much about this topic and myself through these experiences. I found a nice quote by the actor Kevin Costner that I think aptly describes Bill’s legacy: “We stand our best chance of leaving a legacy to those who want to learn, our children, by standing firm. In matters of style, hey, swing with the stream. But in matters of principle, you need to stand like a rock.”

Bill has been the rock of parental alienation scholarship and practice, and one we can all firmly stand upon, hold strong, and push forward. Thank you for your service and the legacy you are leaving behind, Bill. You will be missed.

Phillip Hendrix to be Inaugurated as PASG President at End of January

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T A MEETING IN EARLY 2024, the Board of Directors of PASG selected Phillip Hendrix as the president-elect. Beginning with the board meeting in January 2025, Phillip will succeed Dr. William Bernet, who is the founder and first president of PASG. Phillip is highly credentialed and in private practice in Castle Rock, Colorado USA. He serves as a counselor, family mediator, divorce coach, parent educator, child access provider, and serves in the court appointed roles of Parenting Coordinator and Decision Maker. Previously, he served in the court-appointed roles as Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (CCE) and as Child and Family Investigator (“CFI”).

Phillip was educated in both psychology and business and is extensively trained in family CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

law and domestic relations issues. Phillip is highly experienced in cases involving parental alienation and other forms of child abuse and domestic violence, having worked in this field for the past twenty-five years. He is regularly asked to serve as an expert witness and as case manager. As coach and advocate, Phillip leads Colorado Parental Alienation Support group to assist targeted parents and Colorado Children’s Center to assist children caught in the middle.

Phillip was an early member of PASG and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. He participated in its first conference, which occurred in Washington, D.C. and, as treasurer of PASG, he has been instrumental in conferences and most other activities since. As chairperson of the PASG Website Committee, Phillip helped orchestrate the renovation of the PASG website in late 2023.

As the new lead of the organization, Phillip hopes to continue in the path set by his predecessor. As the foremost and recognizable name in this industry, PASG holds a high bar in its record of research, education, and advocacy on the topic of parental alienation. In addition to expanding its reach in terms of membership and advocacy, Phillip looks for PASG to increase its visibility and involvement in efforts to fight this form of child abuse and domestic violence.

Phillip can be reached at phillip@covenantcounselors.com.

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Conclusions

Highlights from the 2024 PASG Conference International researchers and experts have meet in Oslo, Norway to discuss new research, law reforms and best practices for prevention of parental alienation and re-connecting alienated children and good parents. This is today a sever challenge for society.

PHOTO BY KATJA ANOKHINA - UNSPLASH.COM

In most countries 10%-30% of all children loses contact with a parent. Some due to the lack of responsibility and good parenting, but many due to parental alienation or as WHO states it the “Parent-child relations problem”. This can be of minor, medium or extensive nature.

The first international conference on parental alienation was held in Washington in 2017, then in Stockholm in 2018, Philadelphia in 2019, Brussels in 2021, Fort Collins, Colorado in 2023, and now this year in Oslo with 250 participants from 20 countries.

The 2024 conference was by the participants stated as unique, important and impressive.

Here are some of the main conclusions.

European Court of Human Rights The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in numerous parental alienation cases and mentions the term explicitly in its judgments. That alone says a great deal.

The Court has repeatedly emphasized that member states have obligations to protect the right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Thus, the Court has concluded that states have breached their obligations by neglecting to enforce rulings aimed at restoring the relationship between parents and children.

The judgments underline that states must take responsibility by implementing necessary measures to maintain family ties.

Davíð Þór Björgvinsson (former judge at the Human Rights Court) discussed these matters but also the complexities of the judicial system when it comes to parental alienation cases. He noted that as time passes while cases drag through the legal system, the emotional separation between parent and child should 20

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be of major concern. It is therefore important that national governments act with prevention measures.

children. There is a positive responsibility to secure both the children and parents human rights to a family life.

Geir Kjell Andersland (lawyer, Norway) the chair of the recent parliament men’s committee in Norway, gave a presentation where he discussed how the European Court of Human Rights addresses parental alienation cases, especially considering Article 8 of the Convention. He emphasized that governments have a dual responsibility: to protect families against unjustified interference but also to facilitate reunions between parents and children. He specifically pointed out that although the best interests of the child are paramount, this should not infringe upon the parents' right to maintain a relationship with their

Jesper Lohse (chairman / MBA, Denmark) presented recommendations for law reforms based on a Harvard case analysis of the Danish family court system from a leadership perspective. An analysis in which there was made process analysis of 750 children cases, which has led to some of the leading law reforms worldwide and also became part of the Council of Europe resolution 2079 on gender equality. In 2024 a new parental alienation action plan for 2024-2027 has been launched by the parliament.

Camilla Bernt (lawyer, Norway) discussed legal challenges in parental alienCONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

"I experienced this very strange feeling. I sat and looked at you, and suddenly I was 12 years old. I thought: 'This is incredible—so many adults, so many intelligent people: judges, lawyers, psychologists. They are taking this issue so seriously.' I was filled with warmth; it felt like a healing moment. I could listen to you taking this in, taking responsibility, and I was just thinking—the 12-year-old

Hanna was thinking—'Wow, this is amazing, and I hope that many children will see all this, and the outcome.'"

- Conference participant, being alienated as a child critics, noting that constructive dialogues will not only increase understanding of the phenomenon but also help professionals in law and mental health to work together better in family cases.

Philip Marcus (former judge, Israel) presented clear proposals for changes in the handling of custody cases. He criticized that opposing sides in custody disputes often contribute to increased conflict and distance between the child and both parents.

He called for changes in the organization of courts, where joint legal and psychical custody shall be the basic assumption, and more emphasis shall be placed on interdisciplinary teams with knowledge of child development and mental health throughout the life.

ation cases and the importance of developing laws and remedies that protect children's rights. She pointed out that the current system in Norway, like in many other places, struggles with great uncertainty and often lacks the necessary knowledge to make the right decisions that best serve the child's interests. She urged increased education among judges and others involved in these cases.

William Bernet (professor of psychology, USA) discussed the political divide within the field of parental alienation.

He pointed out that this divide between proponents and critics of parental alienation theories has hindered research, education, and intervention. Bernet emphasized the importance of cooperation with CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

Edward Kruk (professor of social work, Canada) discussed the importance of early intervention in parental alienation cases. He pointed out that intervening early in such cases is key to reducing harmful effects on children. He said, among other things: "Parental alienation is like a wound that heals poorly if not addressed quickly and systematically. If we do not intervene early, the behavior becomes entrenched, and harm to the children increases as time passes."

Marie-France Hirigoyen (doctor in psychology, France) discussed the misconceptions related to parental alienation, where this problem is often seen as gender-specific. She pointed out that parental alienation is not bound by gender and that both men and women can be perpetrators or victims of alienation. Hirigoyen provided a clear analysis of how misleading information about this issue leads to misconceptions both in society and the legal system.

Pehr Granqvist (professor of psychology, Sweden) emphasized that attachment theories are often not used cor-

rectly in custody cases. In his presentation "Attachment Goes to Court" he discussed that attachment analyses should not be used to make final legal decisions about custody but should guide the selection of interventions that support the child and the family.

Ben Hine (professor of psychology, United Kingdom) presented important findings on parental alienating behaviors, which showed that about 60% of participants had experienced such behavior, linked to severe mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He emphasized the necessity of mental health support for those who experience parental alienation and caused parental alienation as well as legislative changes to identify and address this behavior. Depending on the country 10-30 pct. Of all children does today not see one of there parents. This can be due to parenting behavior and lack of responsibility, but parental alienation is a major challenge for children, families and societies.

Several important conclusions and recommendations has been identified by the World Parents Organization from the 2024 conference. There is most importantly a need by national governments and authorities in most countries to address. u New law reforms based on the Council of Europe resolution 2079 on Equality and shared parental responsibility. u Early parental leave programs and support for both parents. u Prevention of parental alienation behavior with early intervention. u Consequences for parental alienation behavior and misinformation.

q CONTINUES ON PAGE 22 PASG

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 u Consideration of family social and health history incl. diagnosis. u Children interviews, contact persons and support groups. u Parent support groups and legal aid for both parents in parental alienation situations.

“We are living in a shared parenting world with single parenting law” -Jesper Lohse, Nordic Fathers

u Increased collaboration between professionals and authorities. u Education of professionals in parental alienation and lost contact related to children. u Programs for re-connecting children and good parents. u Welfare benefit independence with children time at parents.

The lack of law reforms, management culture not taking responsibility and lack of consequences for parental alienation and misinformation is a key challenge for society.

Current family law simply does not work in today’s society for children and families, but a solution can be found. It is possible to create a success with good leadership and modern legislation for children, families and society.

pasg The Parental Alienation Study Group is an international organization of mental health professionals, legal professionals, targeted parents and grandparents, and child and family advocates who are interested in the study of parental alienation.

Do you want more information?

Visit our website at www.pasg.info 22

PASG

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Save the Date!

7 T H PA S G C O N F E R E N C E TORONTO, CANADA

September 10 - 12, 2025

Marriott Downtown at Eaton Centre

Join us in September 2025 in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada for the 7th PASG Conference.

Stay the weekend and experience the magnificent Niagara Falls, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and many other exciting happenings throughout the city. In Toronto, there is something for everyone.

2025 THEME BEST PRACTICES IN PARENTAL ALIENATION ASSESSMENT, INTERVENTION & ADVOCACY: A ROADMAP FOR JUDICIAL ACCURACY AND RESOLUTION

Attendees will gain insight into research driven strategies for fair, science-based decision making in Courts that lead to tangible outcomes for families.

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

Throughout the 2-day conference, we will collectively shift from debating the existence and nature of parental alienation to empowering the judiciary with the latest tools and scholarly knowledge for legal accuracy in cases involving parental alienation and other forms of family violence.

PASG

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CHILD ADVOCACY

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his issue honors advocates of the highest order, those who have partnered with judicial, municipal and federal offices in order to share research, and build child attachment opportunities through the rubric of supervised visitation services in partnership with churches across America.

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

As an Israeli Judge has often reminded me, it is not what attorneys would usually identify as high conflict divorce. But rather, it is high conflict personalities.

While the courts failed me, and my children in my time, I returned to school at the urging of my sister to study best practices for interventions in high conflict child custody issues.

After ten years, I earned my PhD in the field.

I reflect with pride and awe as I was offered the most amazing camaraderie of parents, researchers and authors in the field of child access and visitation with the mission of accessing normal relationships for children and their parents.

When vocabulary changes for a parent upon entering the legal system for separation, divorce and child custody, the parent is thrust into a ‘new world’ of labels, and self-examination. Non-custodial, nonresidential, even ‘absent’ as is used now in Florida gives the parent pause, if not, doubt about their own capacity to be believed by the court, and neighbors. It gives these moms and dads doubt as to their own capacity to be acknowledged as victims, desirous of nurturing their children, and fearful of rejection by their children best believed to be brainwashed by the other parent’s alienating behaviors.

A similar parent as described, I have journeyed since 1997 when I consulted a family attorney to help me during my divorce. Within a year, I felt powerless, though having tried using the law and

about their present as they do about the future. They have all worked to improving child outcomes.

the court system when my own attorney was unsuccessful in repatriating me with my children.

Times have changed. Court justices have become more knowledgeable, and state laws more committed to the rights of children to both parents.

But this transformation was possible only to the tears, and demonstrations, and rallies, and testimony and petitions, and support groups fostered by those who would commit through planning and leadership, writing and encouraging.

Today, those lemons of over twenty years ago have given way to the fruitful efforts of research, authorship, and leading one of the largest visitation and reunification programs in the State of Florida.

These experiences have given further stimulation for creating and publishing this international quarterly examining global perspectives of interventions to improve child outcomes and more effective co-parenting. Since 2020, Contemporary Family Quarterly has emerged a valued resource for family professionals and policy makers Thank you for taking time to read our content.

These are the advocates.

We appreciate you, and look forward to supporting your efforts to contribute to global resources of effective co-parenting.

These are the thankless, but self-rewarded men and women who care as much

Sincerely, Dr. Mark Roseman

PHOTO BY JCOMP - FREEPIK.COM

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CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY- WINTER 24-25

David Levy

CHILD ADVOCACY

November 7, 1936 – December 11, 2014

David L. Levy was a pioneer in the field of children's rights, particularly within the area of family law. His lifelong dedication to giving children a voice amidst the turmoil of divorce transformed the way we view post-separation parenting in the United States. Levy's founding of the Children's Rights Council (CRC) was a watershed moment; this organization relentlessly championed legislative reforms favoring joint custody, mediation, and equal consideration for both parents in the complex and painful process of family breakdown.

Levy's work was not born of abstract theorizing, but rather stemmed from his own lived experiences. As a divorced father, he faced the harsh reality of limited access to his children. This common yet deeply unjust practice spurred him into action. Understanding that countless other fathers and children endured similar pain, Levy founded the CRC in 1985, dedicating over two decades to leading the organization.

The cornerstone of Levy's philosophy was the unwavering belief that every child deserves the love and nurturing of both parents. In an era when maternal custody was overwhelmingly favored,

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY- WINTER 24-25

he exposed the damage this caused children who were robbed of a full relationship with their fathers. Levy's arguments were not against mothers, but rather centered on prioritizing the needs and well-being of the children themselves.

Through lobbying, legal advocacy, and public education, Levy and the CRC shifted the landscape of child custody law. State by state, they campaigned for family law reform to require courts to presume that both parents were equally capable caregivers unless strong evidence suggested otherwise. Levy also understood the value of mediation, seeing it as a means for parents to find common ground and avoid the destructive battles of traditional litigation.

Levy wrote and published numerous articles and books, both fiction and nonfiction. In the area of children’s rights and shared parenting, his prominent works include “Lending a Hand One Child at a Time: The children’s rights

Council’s Child Access and Transfer Centers” (The American Journal of Family Therapy 37:396–413, 2009) and The Best Parent is Both Parents (Hampton Roads Publishing, 1998).

For his groundbreaking work promoting children’s rights, Levy received numerous honors. In 2009, he was named one of the “25 Most Influential People in our Children’s Lives” by Children’s Health magazine. In 2000, the National Child Support Office presented him with their Lifelong Achievement Award for his “untiring efforts on behalf of the children of America.”

He also received the Distinguished Service to Children Award from Parents without Partners International, the Legislative Achievement Award from the National Parents’ Day Coalition (both in 1996), and the Prince George’s County Civic Association Award (1989).

David L. Levy's legacy extends far beyond the specific laws he helped to change. He fundamentally altered the way we perceive children of divorced parents, establishing the view of children as individuals with rights and needs in the context of divorce, not as prizes to be fought over by warring parents. He made it socially acceptable for fathers to not just love their children, but to fight for the opportunity to be fully present in their lives.

CHILD ADVOCACY

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CHILD ADVOCACY

David Lawrence Levy, Esq, President Emeritus and Co-Founder, The Children’s Rights Council Washington, DC For more than ten years, I had the great fortune, truly, to work with and learn from my dear, sweet friend, David. David gave counsel to those seeking to remain involved in their children’s lives, and built the largest child advocacy agency, the Children’s Rights Council, so focused on this mission.

I with my dear colleague and friend, Margaret Wuwart shared the role as Assistant Directors for Child Access, she for Ohio and west, and I from DC eastward. It was through all of our training and recruitment that the CRC became the largest provider of supervised visitation nationally, with more than thirty locations – at no charge to parents and staffed with volunteers.

David’s book, The Best Parent is Both Parents, A Guide to Shared Parenting in the 21st Century (Hampton Roads Publishing Company, 1993) served as the premier ‘why and how-to’ for single, separated, divorced and never married parents and those who cared about supporting children’s rights to two parents.

Margaret Ann (Bowers) Wuwert.

April 20, 1939 ~ July 22, 2024 Margaret lived in Toledo her entire life. She was in the first graduating class of Rogers High School. She went on to get married at the age of 17 and have 4 children. Margaret spent much of her adult life on social work and even went back to school as an adult and received her Masters Degree. She was particularly passionate about children's rights.

She went on to become a part of the Children's Rights Council (CRC) and in 2000 she opened the Toledo locations known as the Gift Exchange. She continued this work into her retirement years and was involved in training and opening other locations across the country. The work she did led her to write her very own book on these experiences and was a major personal goal for herself. The work she started at CRC has continued on and has allowed many parents to continue seeing their children. (https://www.castillofuneral.com/obituary/Margaret-Wuwert)

Dr. Mark Roseman, Founder of the Toby Center for Family Transitions, a child visitation and reunification services agency serving more than half of Florida and New England. Publisher of Contemporary Family Quarterly, ‘Dr. Mark’ is author of Preserving Family Ties, An Authoritative Guide to Understanding Divorce and Child Custody (WestBow Press, 2018) and has written more than 20 articles on co-parenting and parental alienation. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Family Therapy, founded by Dr. Richard Sauber, the child forensic pioneer and protégé of Dr. Richard Gardner, formerly of Columbia University.

NEW Feature! Memories in Child Advocacy

Share those moments, indeed, memories of your work and achievement, success and challenges, inspiration and motivation, in child advocacy! You’ll no doubt provide confidence in current and new advocates!

To be considered, kindly send your Memory to info@contemporaryfamily.org !

Anyone remember Famous Amos? I met Wally Amos of Chocolate Chip fame some 20 years ago at the Children's Rights Council Conference in DC which i helped coordinate. His love of children combined with his chocolate chip sweet tooth really inspired me to understand the importance of business and parenting relationships. Has anyone similarly helped inspire you?

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CHILD ADVOCACY

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY- WINTER 24-25

THE CENTER FOR DIVORCE EDUCATION’S

HIGH CONFLICT

C HILDREN IN B etween SOLUTIONS ®

highconflictsolutions.com An online, 8-hour program for divorcing or separating parents who need a Level 2 or High Conflict Co-Parenting Course.

difficult situations during separation or divorce. The program will enable parents’ understanding of emotional triggers, and will make it easier for them to come up with solutions.

GU

ED

CO

ACCEPTE RT

D

U

The Children in Between: High Conflict Solutions course is intended to help parents manage stressful and

ARANTE

What will parents learn?

• Skills for managing emotions in stressful situations • How to model behavior for the emotional benefit of children • How to better work with a co-parent

William J. Doherty, Ph.D. Professor of Family Social Science

“I was blown away by this program. It beautifully touches all the bases--the perspective of the children, a systemic view of co-parental conflict, spot-on communication skills, and state-of-the-art brain science--and puts them in a package that deeply engages parents emotionally and cognitively. It's the ideal companion to therapy for individuals or couples dealing with chronic conflict over a divorce.”

The Center for Divorce Education divorce-education.com 877-874-1365 CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

27

INTERVIEW

Linda Gottlieb and Turning Points for Families has been the target of two lawsuits, TRICIA SINGER-ROMOHR VS LINDA J. GOTTLIEB and LINDA GOTTLIEB, TURNING POINTS FOR FAMILIES, P.C. filed 3/19/24 and FILIP HANIK VS TERESA HANIK, TURNING POINTS FOR FAMILIES and LINDA J GOTTLIEB filed 9/27/23 alleging abuse of children in the reunification process. Opponents of Parental Alienation and court ordered therapeutic reunification is the subject of the CF DIGITAL! podcast on November 26, 2024 with international Parental Alienation professionals Toronto attorney, Brian Ludmer, Ashish Joshi, JD of Michigan, Phillip Hendrix, MA and Parenting Coordinator and Brian Hart, MS, Reunification Therapist, Boston.

Parental Alienation: An Interview with Linda Gottlieb

with Joani Kloth-Zanard and Clint Doran

Interview with Linda Gottlieb, MS and protégé of family systems pioneer, Dr. Salvador Minuchin conducted on January 21, 2025. The interview was prepared and hosted by Parental Alienation/Psychological Abuse Support and Intervention (PASI): A Tax-exempt charitable organization approved under sec. 501(c )(3) of the IRS www.PAS-Intervention.org With Joani Kloth-Zanard, President and Clint Doran, Editor, Daily Counter News.

C

lint Doran: Welcome back tonight! We have Linda Gottlieb, an internationally recognized parental alienation specialist with over 50 years of experience as a family therapist. Linda has helped and protected thousands of children. She was personally trained by the renowned child psychiatrist Salvador Minuchin, a founder of the family therapy movement.

Clint Doran: Linda, we received a question from our audience, and we decided to start the show with it: "When children are taken away from their mother because of parental alienation and psychological abuse, what is the best way to discuss and answer their questions about why they were removed from their mother's custody?"

Challenging the Misconception of Gender in Parental Alienation Linda Gottlieb: That's a great question.

First, I want to address a common misconception: that only mothers alienate. Fathers can also alienate children; it happens about 50% of the time when they have the opportunity. When Richard Gardner started identifying these cases in 1985, the standard custody laws were very different.

It was assumed the mother would get the children, so she had more opportunity to

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INTERVIEW

alienate. Now we know differently, and even Gardner revised his initial view. Half of my caseload are alienated mothers.

Clint Doran: So, Linda, if gender doesn't play an issue, why does it always come up in these cases?

Linda Gottlieb: Because of the misguided belief, the misinformation, that alienation always targets the mother. This is simply not true. Research shows that both mothers and fathers can be targeted.

It's important to be prepared for the arguments you might face in court. Domestic violence groups often claim that alienation isn't real, and that fathers alleging alienation are simply abusive and trying to manipulate the system. But we have the science to identify true cases of domestic violence, just as we have the science to identify true cases of alienation.

Clint Doran: Linda, you and your colleagues have taken a lot of hits regarding this matter. How do you combat that misinformation?

Linda Gottlieb: I've written a number of articles on parental alienation, available for free on my website. I've also started posting on TikTok to counteract the misinformation that's rampant on that platform. You can find me on TikTok by searching for "Linda Gottlieb."

My colleague Loretta Moss also posts on TikTok and Facebook. We're trying to get the word out and provide accurate information.

The Shift Toward Shared Parenting Clint Doran: Linda, with all your experience of over 50 years of counseling and

dealing with family courts, do you see a shift in the modern family court system becoming more level ground for parents and children?

Linda Gottlieb: Well, I think shared parenting has been a very important development. The courts now, in most states, presume 50/50 custody. If you oppose 50/50, you have to prove it. Before these laws were passed, if you wanted 50/50, you had to make a case for it.

Clint Doran: Do you see the courts moving more towards these favorable decisions?

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY- WINTER 24-25

"I can't forgive alienators because I think what they're doing is criminal. They are taking children who were functioning normally prior to the alienation, and those children develop psychiatric symptoms – they become suicidal, they self-harm."

PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL.COM

tions, their cognitive development is compromised because they can't think for themselves. They've lost one of only two people in the entire world who's going to love them unconditionally. If the way we resolve our relationships with our parents is how we are going to form our adult relationships, then this is going to create issues of trust, self-confidence. Children are not learning to get along in society. How can you resolve conflict if you're taught to be aggressive or just walk away? There is no way a child can grow up normal who has been alienated if it's not remedied.

Talking to Children About Alienation Clint Doran: How do you talk to a child when they ask, "Why was I taken away from my parent?"

Linda Gottlieb: That's where family therapy differs from other forms of therapy. The parent, not the therapist, is the child's healer. I'd ask the alienated parent, "How can you explain this to your child in a way they understand?" Avoid saying the other parent is evil. Correct the child's behaviors. This should be done with a family therapist. The video "Welcome Back Pluto" is instructive in how to deal with a child's questions.

Joani: Amy Baker's book "I Don't Want to Choose" is another resource for explaining this to children.

Linda Gottlieb: Yes, yes, I do.

Joani: In Connecticut, we're seeing a request for a task force to address issues within the family court system, and the Connecticut Supreme Court seems to agree that there's a need for change.

ation groups. The domestic violence community carries a lot of weight, and the other group, I refer to them as the "alienating parents industry," is very vocal and organized.

It's important that we get organized as well.

Clint Doran: If this is the way it should be argued, for the best interest of the child, why does the judicial community ignore these facts?

Understanding the Damage to Children Clint Doran: So when we're talking parental alienation or custodial interference, whatever term you want to use, what damage is actually being done to these children?

Linda Gottlieb: It's not just financial gain.

We have not been as vocal as the anti-alien-

Linda Gottlieb: It damages children in every way. They're robbed of their emo-

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY- WINTER 24-25

Linda Gottlieb: If you've been alienated from your child, you'll likely need therapy to rebuild your relationship. Be careful not to project your anger at the other parent onto your child. Many alienated parents say to me, "I look at my child, and I see the other parent, and that's what's so painful."

The Role of Therapy and Support Clint Doran: You know, I think one of the key aspects in what you said is that it takes a lot of therapy, a lot of talk to get over that anger issue that a lot of these parents and children deal with.

Linda Gottlieb: Yeah. Alienated parents need a support group, whether it's from their partners, family, friends, or a group like this. It's very hard to be on your own with something like this.

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

The Personal Impact of Alienation Clint Doran: Linda, in all the cases you've dealt with, has there ever been a case that has affected you emotionally, personally?

Linda Gottlieb: They all affect me emotionally. I was an alienated child myself. I reconnected with my father when I was 18, but I can't help but be affected.

Sometimes you have to step back and say, "It's not my child, it's not my family."

I have to protect myself so I can continue to do this work.

Joani: Linda, you and I went into this business because we're empathetic and compassionate people.

Linda Gottlieb: Right. I can't forgive alienators because I think what they're

doing is criminal. They are taking children who were functioning normally prior to the alienation, and those children develop psychiatric symptoms – they become suicidal, they self-harm. These symptoms were never there before. In family therapy, we believe that children always manifest a symptom that's symbolic of the family dysfunction. So when these children threaten suicide, it's symbolic of the death of a relationship, a relationship they can't replace. And when they cut, it's symbolic of having to cut a parent out of their lives. Then they're put on psychotropic medications that they don't need, but those medications create a chemical imbalance that they live with for the rest of their lives.

Linda Gottlieb: I see a very high rate, above the national average, of alienated children with gender identity issues.

Alienation and Gender Identity Issues Joani: How many clients do you have where the children have gender identity issues?

Linda Gottlieb: Since I started doing this work in 2010, I've seen an increase in violence.

I haven't seen alienated parents getting physi-

Joani: It seems like a majority of my clients have at least one child with a gender identity issue.

Linda Gottlieb: It makes sense. If a female child has been turned against their father, they may not want anything to do with men. They don't want to betray the parent of the same sex either.

The Role of Society in Parental Alienation Clint Doran: How much does society play into parental alienation?

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

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CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY- WINTER 24-25

cally assaulted to the same degree, and I've not seen alienating parents violate court orders for transitions of custody like I see now. Our society has become more violent, and politics has set the tone for what happens on all levels.

The Importance of Education and Support Linda Gottlieb: I do wish you all a lot of luck. Just keep educating yourself and rely on your support group like this.

Clint Doran: If you guys want to make a quick video to let people know where they can go, like Linda's website, to get accurate information, that will combat misinformation.

Linda Gottlieb: But be aware that if you talk about your situation publicly, you may be exposing your children.

Joani: Don't share your whole story. Talk about the problem and why it exists, in a generalized, genderless way. s.

Alienation as a Form of Domestic Violence The latest edition of the DSM-5 provides new ways of understanding alienation. We can now conceptualize it as child psychological abuse, domestic violence, and domestic violence by proxy.

When an alienator manipulates a child, it's like coercive control in a cult. They are brainwashing the child, robbing them of their true feelings and love for the alienated parent. This is emotional domestic violence.

Alienation also qualifies as domestic violence by proxy. When the alienating parent encourages the child to mistreat the alienated parent, the child is acting out the alienator's abusive wishes.

"I want to address a common misconception: that only mothers alienate. Fathers can also alienate children; it happens about 50% of the time when they have the opportunity. When Richard Gardner started identifying these cases in 1985, the standard custody laws were very different. It was assumed the mother would get the children, so she had more opportunity to alienate. Now we know differently, and even Gardner revised his initial view. Half of my caseload are alienated mothers."

Linda Gottlieb

Social Media and Misinformation Clint Doran: Linda, you mentioned TikTok earlier. What are your thoughts on the role of social media in parental alienation?

Linda Gottlieb: Social media can be a double-edged sword. It can be a source of misinformation, but it can also be a tool for education and support. I've started posting on TikTok to counteract some of the false narratives out there.

Clint Doran: It's important to be careful about what you share on social media, though, right?

Linda Gottlieb: Absolutely. If you go out there and talk about your situation, you may be exposing your children. That's a problem that makes it very difficult.

Joani: What we try to tell people to do is don't go into your whole long story. Talk about the problem and why it exists, in a generalized, genderless way.

The Importance of Education and Support Clint Doran: Linda, as we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts for our audience?

Linda Gottlieb: I do wish you all a lot of luck. Just keep educating yourself and rely on your support group like this. There are resources available, like my website and the books and videos we've mentioned.

Don't give up hope.

Clint Doran: Thank you, Linda. Any final thoughts, Joani?

Joani: I just want to wish everybody a wonderful week, and we'll see you next month. Please, if you have some ideas for programs or webinars you'd like us to do, send them along.

For further details, visit www.PAS-Intervention.org or contact Joani KlothZanard, MFT, GAL, Executive Director and Founder, at her email pasintervention@gmail.com, or through the phone 203-770-0318.

Clint Doran, An investigative journalist with the Daily Counter News, South Carolina. He brings a background in law enforcement, community service and journalism. Clint graduated from Schools in Germany and the U.S. He speaks German fluently. He defines himself as passionate about Legal Reforms for Children and Families. During his time in Germany he was trained as a Chef. Throughout his career, he's also managed for several Retail Companies in the U.S. and is a former Military.

Joani Kloth-Zanard MFT, ADA Advocate, GAL, Founder, Board President of PAS Intervention, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to education and training of professionals and survivors of psychological abuse. She has a Masters in Marriage & Family and extensive training in Reunification, Psychological Abuse, Child Psychology and other aspects related to Dysfunctional Family Processes. She is an expert witness, and an ADA advocate. Joani is the author of “Where Did I Go Wrong? How Did I Miss The Signs?”

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INTERVIEW

31

The Sufferings of Good Men/Women of Noble Cause by the Current Foibles, Negligence and Vicissitudes of the New Dictatorial Administration in Washington, DC.

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by Dr. Robert Bauserman, Social Psychologist, Former Employee, Dept. of Health and Human Services his is just a (relatively) brief post nizing that some groups have been systematI wanted to bring to the attention ically disadvantaged in their access to health of family, friends, classmates, colcare or their exposure to health threats. leagues, acquaintances, and random other Facebook friends I have picked Let’s take an honest look at an example: Black up along the way, about some things that Americans. For over two centuries, the vast are happening now. This will inevitably get majority of Blacks in America were slaves, a bit political, and if you know me then you kept in poverty and illiteracy and with little know I do not typically go around pushing access to what meaningful health care existmy political views on people, posting poed in those days. Then there was over a hunlitical memes, or otherwise making an andred years of systematic Jim Crow discrimnoying nuisance of myself. So I hope you ination (schools, housing, jobs) that further will bear with me for a few minutes. worked to keep Black Americans poor and unhealthy. For example, systematic housing I lost my job just this past week due to Presdiscrimination forced Black families into ident Trump's anti-DEI executive order. You overcrowded, less desirable housing; public have probably heard of this; it sends home policy sited industrial plants, waste dumps, on furlough every government employee with staff from state and local health depart- highways, etc. next to, in and through Black who is considered associated with "diversity, ments to help build their capacity to develop neighborhoods; and all of this increased risks equity, inclusion" in any way, preparatory to strategic health plans for their jurisdictions. of infectious and chronic diseases. Beginning terminating them, and terminates all policies, in the 1960s, legislation and government polprograms, and contracts that are supposedly These days some folks seem to get trig- icy at last turned against those practices, but "DEI." This is not a "poor me" post angling for gered by the word “equity”, so let me give none of these issues somehow magically dissympathy. I am fine, and have the skills and you the definition of “health equity.” This appeared overnight; for one thing, they were knowledge to locate other employment; my definition comes from the CDC: “The state literally built into the infrastructure. Even tofamily is fine. I want to give you some context in which everyone has a fair and just op- day, research shows that medical professionon what I do - or did - and why it matters, and portunity to attain their highest level of als are more prone to unequal treatment of had nothing to do with what many Trump health.” Here’s another, from a national Black patients, including listening to sympassociation of health officials: health equi- toms and prescribing treatments. These are supporters seem to think "DEI" is all about. ty is “…when everyone has a fair and just just facts, and I’m not going to bore everyone My graduate training was in social psychol- opportunity to be as healthy as possible”. with a long list of citations. These things conogy, where I learned quite a bit about retribute to unequal health outcomes but have search methods and statistics. This sort of Note the words “everyone”, “all”, “opportu- nothing to do with individual choice; these knowledge is transferable, and for the past nity.” These are public health goals: policies are things that policies can change to ensure 25+ years I have worked in health research that give everyone a fair opportunity to be that all citizens of a democratic republic have (first for state government, then for a variety healthy. Not equal “outcomes,” because fair and equal opportunity to be healthy. They of small and mid-size contractors that did we’ll never have that due to individual dif- also impact everyone in society, regardless of research activities for the federal govern- ferences and individual choices. And peo- race or background. If one group is left more ment, universities, and private industry). A ple in the medical field understand this. vulnerable to infectious diseases because of lot of this work was evaluation of programs social circumstances, so are other groups – and interventions aimed at producing better So we researched health policies: free school because infectious diseases, by definition, health outcomes: do they work? What's the lunches for kids; expanded postpartum care spread. They don’t care about your politics, evidence? In my most recent position, for my for new mothers under Medicaid; naloxone to or mine. If one group is left more vulnerable company I worked on a research project for prevent drug overdose deaths; rural access to to chronic diseases, the social and economic the Office of Minority Health at the Depart- telehealth; and we looked at how these could burden of that also ultimately impacts us all. ment of Health and Human Services. This share benefits across different groups that exproject focused on examining how different perience disparities in health outcomes, in- The Office of Minority Health worked on government health policies and programs cluding racial and ethnic minorities. Because behalf of better health for all groups experipromoted "health equity", and on working you can’t ensure health equity without recog- encing disadvantages; women (of all backPHOTO BY JOSE M - UNSPLASH.COM

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CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

grounds), rural Americans with more limited access to health care and facilities (lots of poor Whites in rural America), and more.

But the project had “equity” in the label, and our client had “minority” in the name, and so under Trump’s order that office had to go. And now all of those people are at home without jobs. And my company did not have more research openings available, so I and my team lost our jobs as well.

I know some of you voted for Trump. I’m sure you had your reasons for that, and I am not going to belittle them. But I honestly wonder: is this what you had in mind? Or did you think that he was just going to get rid of hiring of “unqualified” minorities? Or just stop making people listen to lectures that you imagine are all about “white people bad”? (In my 25+ years of health research, I had to sit through exactly one such “training” that fit the stereotype. And yes, it was a waste of time that did nothing to help me do my job better. Once, for a few hours). If you thought the Trump administration was going to go in with a scalpel and only cut out the bad flesh, guess what? They’ve gone in with a hacksaw, and sawed off a limb.

I’d also like you to be aware that the attack on public health is much broader, and much worse, than “DEI.” You may have heard that HHS and its component agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH), are at least temporarily banned from communication with anyone outside of government and that they’re banned from new purchases, travel, etc.

What you probably haven’t heard is how this affects our national health.

CDC publishes health warnings and advisories, and tracks and reports disease of every type across the U.S. Right now, they’re not allowed to publish or share any of that information. I think you can see how this might be a problem.

NIH is the leading supporter of health research in the world. Again – in the world.

Have you or anyone in your family, now or in the past, suffered from diabetes? Cardiovascular disease? Cancer? Right now, researchers supported by NIH and scientists in their employ literally cannot apply for grants – or order supplies for ongoing research projects CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - WINTER 24-25

and clinical trials – or attend medical conference – or submit research studies for publication. The longer these prohibitions are in place, the more likely that researchers miss chances for research funding; that ongoing experiments and clinical trials are interrupted and shut down, the money spent on them lost and the patients put at risk and the knowledge potentially gained delayed or lost.

And next week will see the confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of HHS. I will not use euphemisms: RFK Jr. is a menace to public health and he is a danger to the health and lives of your children and grandchildren. Do you think I’m kidding or getting hysterical here? RFK Jr. is a crusader against vaccination and one of the world’s leading promoters of vaccine disinformation, with his false claims of vaccines being linked to autism and other health risks. (Yes, false: the original research that linked vaccines to autism, by a doctor named Andrew Wakefield, was literally fraudulent. It was retracted long ago and Wakefield lost his medical license).

In the past 100-200 years, there are three advances in public health that have completely transformed the lives of billions of people throughout the world. These are public sanitation; antibiotics; and vaccines. Each of these advances has literally saved the lives of hundreds of millions of people. Public sanitation brought you clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing and eliminated most waterborne infectious disease. It’s the reason you and people you know don’t get sick (and possibly die) from cholera, dysentery and other unpleasant illnesses. Antibiotics transformed health care through the world, it made surgery orders of magnitude safer.

And vaccines – most people today have no idea what life was like before widespread mandatory vaccinations as part of routine child healthcare. Let’s take polio.

I was born after this disease was almost totally eradicated in the U.S., but the older among you will have distant memories of the public fear that existed around polio, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. The disease infected mostly children and routinely killed 2 to 3 thousand people each year during epidemic outbreaks, as well as leaving thousands more with mild to severe paralysis. After vaccines were introduced in the U.S. in the 1950s, cases and deaths plummeted to…0. And this is just

one of the childhood diseases that have now been eradicated, or nearly so, in the U.S. through vaccine mandates.

RFK Jr. has spent decades sowing fear and mistrust of vaccines and is about to be confirmed to lead the largest health organization in the world. For a sample of what’s in store, Google “Kennedy measles Samoa” and see what comes up. Go ahead.

All done? Learn about this, and ask yourself if you want RFK Jr. in charge of the nations health. If you want him having any role in the health of your children or grandchildren. People will literally die – children will die – if he has the power to implement his beliefs on a large scale.

I do want, in all sincerity, to ask one more time of those of you who voted for Trump: is this what you expected? Is this what you wanted? If so, why? If, not, what did you think you’re getting with Trump? I'm not going to yell at you or insult you. If you know me, you know that's not my style. I only ask you to help me understand your choice.

There is one thing you might consider doing, if you live in a state with a Republican Senator: reach out to their office. Today.

Or Monday. Tell them you’re a constituent.

And ask them to vote against confirming RFK Jr. Tell them we can do better, and that Trump can do better, in who he chooses to fill such an important role.

Thanks for your time (and by the way, if your organization or company needs a behavioral science researcher, let me know).

Response by Dr. Mark

I concur. Robert, I remember your excellent work and preparing the most comprehensive and longest study of child outcomes when parents separate. I worked with Dave Levy and so appreciated his work and your brother, John's leadership at the Children's Rights Council. Your remarkable commitment to our health and those internationally have been pathetically rebuked by the new administration, a new administration so fraught with narcissism and cruelty for all to suffer. I can't believe we live in this horror, in our own country, historically a light among the nations for freedom and equality. Wishing you continued professional success in advance of our valuable health. G-d help us. G-d help us all.

33

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Welcome to Contemporary Family Quarterly!

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PODCASTS, WEBINARS AND WEBSITES: RESOURCES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN WHEN PARENTS SEPARATE Ask Dr. Mark: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJtrX7yAywkOL61o2LPuarQ

We the Parents Podcast: Visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCiou-plwSw8bS2CkTQ57B4Q

As Crianças Importam / Children Matter (Portugal): https://expresso.pt/podcasts/ as-criancas-importam

Truth Hurts • A podcast on Anchor: http://www.anchor.fm/wait--see-media

Broken Families: Conversations with Barbara La Pointe (Canada) and Andrew Folkler (USA): https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ broken-families-conversations-barbara-la-pointe-canada/id1555956537 Fair Divorce: https://fairdivorce.co.za/ / https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCAMUTpNrZUBwgywknoi5Uzw.

Mark David Roseman & Associates: Visit: https://www.Markdavidroseman.org Abuse Excuse: Visit: https://www.abuse-excuse.com Chai Talk With Laurel: Visit: https://anchor.fm/laurel-herman

Family Access – Fighting For Children’s Rights Visit: https://www.familyaccessfightingforchildrensrights.com

Sh*t I Learned From my Divorce Show with Trish Guise, MBA, PMDC: Visit: https://chestermereradio.ca/programs/sh-t-i-learned-from-my-divorce-10

Never Give Up!!!!: Visit: https://soundcloud.com/bailey-smith-69208333blogtalkradio.com/friendstalk

Parental Alienation Study Group (PASG): Visit: https://www.pasg.info

Parent Separation Support: Visit https://sites.google.com/view/parentseparationhelp/home SLAM THE GAVEL with Mary Ann Petri Visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1364944 Speak Life Into Strife with host Kindra Renee: Visit https://www.speaklifeintostrife.com/ Bristol Grandparents Support Group Visit https://bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk/ CF Digital!

Contact: cdoran@contemporaryfamilymagazine.org Families Divided TV International Webinar Presentations - Produced by Family Access Visit: https://www.thenownetwork.org Kids Need Both Inc. - Court Approved Courses, Help Line, and Community Visit: https://www.Hope4Families.net

Bamboo Tree Children’s Foundation: Visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCdUD5VvcQEoRa0vyQ-USsuQ Two Wishes: Visit: https://www.twowishes.org Eeny Meeny Miney-Mo Foundation.

Visit: https://emmm.org.au/ Alienated Grandparents Anonymous, Inc. Visit: https://www.AlienatedGrandparentsAnonymous.com La Dolce Vita Project Contact: http://www.la-dolce-vita-project.com Parental Alienation Europe Parental Visit https://parentalalienation.eu The Law Center -Free Legal Resources & Video Law Library.

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