Vol. 5, Issue 4, FALL 2025

VOL. 5 - NO. 4 -FALL 2025

POLICY | ADVOCACY | RESILIENCE

ISSN 1939-0219

pasg

SPONSORED BY

BRIDGING FAMILY

THEORY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

AND PRACTICE: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Highlights from the 2025 PASG Conference Identifying the Loyalty Conflict: How Abusive Parents Weaponize a Child's Love ... AND MUCH MORE INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND RESEARCH FINDINGS

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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INSIDE this ISSUE INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS Including News and Announcements from Europe, Israel, Malta, Scotland and the USA

Pages

Identifying the Loyalty Conflict: How Abusive Parents Weaponize a Child's Love

by Dawn McCarty

6-9 Page

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Recipes with a HEART

with Chef Laurel Herman Page

Examining Policy and Outcomes: Highlights from the 2025 PASG Conference Chairman's Summary of the 7th PASG Conferences by Ivonne Purnell, PhD

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13 14 18 20 22 26 30-35 36-42 Page

Parenting Under Siege: How Everyday Parenting Becomes a Battle for Targeted Parents by Randy Flood, PhD Page The Expert's Role in Parental Alienation: Education, Information, and Guidance for the Court by Dr. Alan Blotcky

Page

A Child Protective Response to Parental Alienation: Defining the Threshold for Interventions by Shawn Wygant Page We Are the Media Now: A Global Call to Collective Action by Larry De Marco, LLM

Page

The Parental Alienation Field and the Future of Families into the Twenty-first Century

by Dr. Stan Korosi

PERSONAL INSIGHTS: Post-Conference BOOKS

Pages

Pages

Page

THE TEAM BEHIND EVERY ISSUE Publisher MARK DAVID ROSEMAN, PHD Art Director UI/UX Design ROB LAHOUD RUSSO SHERIN YEHIA EL NAKHALA

Social Media Marketing Director ERIC ZWANG

Frontend Developer ODIRI IGHOGBOJA

DISCLAIMER

EDITORIAL BOARD Sweden LENA HELLBLOM SJÖGREN, PHD USA USA

DAWN MCCARTY, MS BARBARA MEHL, JD

Australia

ALYSE PRICE-TOBLER, PHD

Canada

ABE WORENKLEIN, PHD

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.

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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From the Publisher alienation. This prestigious endorsement affirms that our global reporting and reliable content is setting the standard for the field.

The PASG conference this year also reinforced the critical need for accessible, authoritative educational resources. We were incredibly proud to feature the work of The Toby Center for Family Transition and Preserving Family Ties Media (PFTM), whose exhibition stood as a beacon for practical, interdisciplinary knowledge.

Interventions and personal journeys are so valuable to educating the gatekeepers as family courts and legislatures; it will be so helpful to buy copies of books you find meaningful for donation to libraries as John Stamel has done with Hope 4 Families, first edition of “Building Bridges of Hope”. and Tessie Robins’ Coping with Parental Alienation Visit www.contemporaryfamilymagazine.com to review the 2025 PFTM Conference Book Catalog.

A Fall Reflection: Among the many first editions introduced our shared commitment: to provide every by this exhibition in Toronto making their professional and family with the knowlAdvancing debut was led by the PASG organization’s edge necessary for science-based decibook, Parental Alienation Theory: Official sion-making in the courts and in the clinic. the Dialogue Synopsis (Charles C Thomas Publisher, 2025) and Therapeutic Interventions for Our commitment to leading this evion Family Parent Child Contact Issues (Drs. Kelley dence-based conversation is reflected in and Amy Eichler, 2025). Especial- the pages of this very issue, which features Preservation and Baker ly illuminating were Dr. Alyse Price-To- two highly impactful contributions: bler’s seminal book series, Disrupting the Scientific Rigor Intergenerational Trauma Cycle of High We are proud to feature an impactful article by A Turning Point at the 7th PASG Conference Dear Readers, As we enter the holiday period for many, we are still reflecting on the profound significance of the 7th Parental Alienation Study Group (PASG) International Conference held this past September in Toronto, Canada.

Conflict Divorce, which addresses the challenges faced by adult survivors as well as Warning! Children Are Not Weapons!: Unveiling the Hidden Truth of Child Psychological Abuse Related to Parental and Family Alienation and Abduction,by Dawn McCarty.

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Dr. Stan Korosi. Regarding his work, we were honored that Dr. Alyse Price-Tobler, a distinguished PASG conference presenter and experienced therapist, specifically commented: "Dr. Korosi’s writing is groundbreaking and prompts us to think about this from a differ-

PHOTO BY ASKAR ABAYEV - PEXELS

This year's conference, themed "Best Practices in Parental Alienation Assessment, Intervention & Advocacy: A Roadmap for Judicial Accuracy and Resolution," marked a critical turning point. The focus is now resolutely on evidence-based action and effective solutions for children and families impacted by family conflict and parental alienation.

One of the most profound takeaways from this global gathering was the explicit recognition of our publication’s role in the international dialogue. During the proceedings, Contemporary Family Quarterly (CFQ) and the European Journal of Parental Alienation Practice (EUPAP) were the only two publications that are essential to addressing the complex challenge of parental

The exhibition's success further validates

PHOTO BY RAKICEVIC NENAD - PEXELS

PHOTO BY JONATHAN BORBA- PEXELS

PHOTO BY RDNE - PEXELS

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

ent angle, which is both timely and important. The conclusion I drew is that the document discusses parental alienation (PA) as a complex social phenomenon that affects family dynamics, advocating for a shift in focus towards supporting diverse family configurations and children's relational needs within contemporary family policies.”

Also especially notable in this issue, Dawn McCarty introduces the concept of the "Loyalty Conflict" as a key tactic used in abusive family systems. This piece provides a practical framework directly addressing the challenges of co-parenting, child custody, and parental alienation for the family professionals, advocates, and policymakers who make up our audience.

Please share our publication. Your publication! If we are to change the world’s concept of child attachment and outcomes as related to two loving parents, then please share this issue. Subscribe!

I welcome your articles, research and news!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark D. Roseman Publisher and Founder ‘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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Strengthening Our Editorial Vision: Welcome New Advisory Board Members To further strengthen CFQ's commitment to scientific rigor and interdisciplinary excellence, we are delighted to introduce three distinguished professionals who have joined our Advisory Board: Dr. Alyse Price-Tobler: An experienced therapist from Australia, a prolific author, and a PASG presenter, Dr. Price-Tobler specializes in effective intervention strategies for high-conflict separation. Her extensive international clinical perspective and published works will be invaluable to our board.

Dawn McCarty: An American award-winning author and presenter on the experiences of adult children of divorce, Ms. McCarty is also an authority on computer access, safety, and security.

Her timely article in this issue introduces the vital "Loyalty Conflict" framework, and her unique expertise will guide our coverage of digital and psycho-social challenges facing families in conflict.

Dr. Lena Hellblom Sjögren: An accomplished researcher and clinician from Sweden, whose work focuses on the neurobiological and attachment implications of family conflict. Dr. Heilbron’s expertise ensures our journal continues to publish cutting-edge, empirically-driven research.

With the guidance of our new Advisory Board Members and the continued high-impact research featured in this issue, we are poised to lead the conversation as the authoritative voice in contemporary family science. We look forward to partnering with you on this critical journey.

Sincerely, Dr. Mark D. Roseman, Publisher

Helplines All Around the World AUSTRALIA

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.

UK

The freephone, 24-hour - National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

USA

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

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

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INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS SCOTLAND: Separated Parents Should Count

Census 2031 needs to recognise the extent and the value of shared parenting.

If you don’t ask the right question, you won’t get the data.

A third of Scotland's school roll have parents who live separately. Some, by agreement or by court order, share the parenting of the children on an equal, 50:50 basis. For others, the children will reside exclusively with one parent and may have little or no contact with the other. The likelihood is that the considerable majority will live their lives somewhere in between. It will be Scotland’s third biggest parenting formation behind marriage/civil partnership and cohabitation.

Shared Parenting Scotland’s submission to the recent Scottish Government consultation on changes to the next census, due in 2031, criticises the misleading presentation of household data in 2022 that misses the lived reality of tens of thousands of children and their parents.

If you don’t ask the right question, you won’t get the data.

Important for Scotland's idea of itself Data on this issue ought to be seen as vital for planning a range of services and giving perspective to future policy development. It is also important for Scotland's idea of itself.

The National Records Scotland (NRS) briefing issued with the consultation makes an unequivocal claim, “Census statistics provide an accurate picture of Scotland’s population including its size, distribution, and demographics, including age, sex, ethnicity, and household composition."

Data on shared parenting is not complete, clear or accurate because questions that would reveal it are not put.

An NRS output report on Demography and Migration, derived from the 2022 Census (published August 1st, 2024), stated: "Census data on household type allows us to count households containing lone parent families."

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INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

Headlines and broadcast news bulletins faithfully picked up the lone parent label.

Brevity should not be at the expense of accuracy We understand the need for brevity in conveying complex information but that should not be at the expense of accuracy. What the report really meant was that ‘on that date the form was completed in 2022 there was only one adult in the household with dependent children’. The decision to simplify to 'lone' parent was careless wording and easily misunderstood in common usage to imply the children have only one parent in their life.

The existence and the involvement of another parent was rendered invisible. Uncounted.

Shared Parenting Scotland Chief Executive, Kevin Kane, says, “This is clearly unsatisfactory. In a Court of Session case published last month, the judge allowed an adoption to proceed even though the parents now lived in different houses after separation. Lady Tait accepted that the child was thriving, living with loving, committed parents, albeit in different houses. But if the Census was held tomorrow one of the parents would be counted as ‘lone’ parent and the other as a single adult, depending on which house the child was spending the night. That’s clearly absurd in the rigorously examined circumstances of the Court of Session decision.

It is not in any way to undermine the recognition and respect of parents who care for their children with no involvement of the other parent to suggest it is equally unfair as well as inaccurate to write out of the data entirely another parent who is extensively or equally involved in parenting their children.”

Two single parents?

In reality a more accurate term would be that many children in Scotland have two single parents. It may be a challenge to introduce 'two single parents' into common usage but it is an important concept for future planning and funding of services that are designed to support children's wellbeing and aspirations.

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

Recognising that children may, for example, travel to school from two homes on different days needs a change of attitude within many local authorities that will only be driven by gathering data.

Shared Parenting Scotland uses data to raise awareness among legislators, policy makers and planners of the realities in the lives of children whose parents do not live together and the embedded barriers to full involvement of parents after separation which is the longstanding position of successive Scottish governments.

The current 'how many adults are in the home with dependent children on census night?' question is no longer sufficient.

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INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS

USA: Project XV Looking for Teams in Every State of the US Dear Colleagues, Parents, and Fellow Advocates:

MALTA: PA Research Call for Participants on behalf of Ms Karen Quintano PHOTO BY JCOMP - FREEPIK.COM

Title XV of the 2022 VAWA re-authorization (Kayden's Law) prevents judges from protecting more than 700,000 children suffering from severe parental alienation. Project XV is a national campaign to repeal this provision when VAWA comes up for re-authorization in the 2027-2028 legislative session.

without a good reason. Parental alienation is caused by the in-doctrination of the child by one parent (the favored parent) to fear and avoid the second parent (the rejected parent). This mental condition affects about 1% of children and adolescents in the U.S., which amounts to about 700,000 victims of this type of family violence.

We need a State Captain in every state, and we need team players to support this effort.

Specific Criticisms of Title XV In cases of severe parental alienation, the favored parent has purposefully and persistently indoctrinated the child against the rejected parent. Most mental health and legal professionals consider that to be child psychological abuse. In cases of severe parental alienation, the primary intervention is usually removal of the child from the household of the alienating parent, at least temporarily. (The same intervention is court-ordered in cases of severe physical abuse and sexual abuse.)

As a State Captain, you will build a coalition, educate legislators and judges, and position yourself as a lead expert on family court reform in your state. You'll have access to national resources, peer-reviewed research, and a network of advocates across all 50 U.S. states.

Whether you're a family law attorney, mental health professional, affected parent, or dedicated advocate, we need your assistance.

Interested?

Reply with your name, state, background, and why this matters to you.

The window to make change is now!

Overview of Current Problem When the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was reauthorized in 2022, it contained a serious flaw. Title XV of the VAWA— Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence, also called Kayden’s Law—superficially pertains to the prevention of domestic violence.

However, the ac-tual purpose of Title XV was to prevent local state judges from intervening in cases of severe pa-rental alienation, a form of custodial interference and parental kidnapping. Title XV should be deleted when the VAWA is renewed in 2027 or 2028.

Parental alienation is a mental condition in which a child—usually one whose parents are engaged in a high-conflict separation or divorce—allies strongly with one parent and rejects a relationship with the other parent CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

Certain problematic passages were incorporated into Title XV for the purpose of preventing family court judges from removing the child from the home of the abusive parent. As a result of this part of VAWA (2022): Family court judges see tragic cases involving severe parental alienation every day, but they are unable to order suitable interventions for the victimized children and the rejected, alienated parents.

Proposed Solution for this Serious Legal Problem It is impractical to correct this legislative error by amending and correcting individual words and passages. The only reasonable solution is to repeal the entire Title XV of VAWA, which constitutes only a few pages. Taking this action will not compromise the remaining parts of VAWA, which is a very lengthy law.

Dear members of Parental Alienation Study Group, Navigating complex family dynamics requires expertise and insight.

A new research study as part of a dissertation is being conducted, titled …

"Navigating Grey Areas: A Thematic Analysis of Professionals' Perspectives on Parental Alienation and Estrangement in High-Conflict Families".

This study explores how professionals in family law, social work, psychotherapy, and related fields differentiate between parental alienation and estrangement. All professionals with direct experience in high-conflict custody cases involving parent-child contact issues are invited to participate in a single, voluntary, semi-structured interview.

Your participation will contribute to improving practice standards and informing evidence-based approaches. All data will be handled with strict confidentiality, and your identity will not be disclosed in any publication.

For more information, please check out the following: participant information sheet: https://bit. ly/4l7DYYE and consent form: http://bit.ly/45jsPhE or contact Karen Quintano at karen.quintano@iftahqalbek.mt.

This research has been reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institute of Family Therapy - Malta.

PHOTO BY DRAZEN ZIGIC - FREEPIK.COM

Follow-up and Contact for This Initiative For more information regarding this proposed amendment, contact William Bernet, M.D., at william.bernet@vumc.org.

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USA: Reunification Therapist Lynn Steinberg Takes Broadway (and NASDAQ!) Internationally known reunification therapist Lynn Steinberg is making waves beyond the consultation room, recently appearing on the NASDAQ Billboard in Times Square!

Her powerful presentation was titled "Parental Alienation: An Inconvenient Truth."

"I am passionate about educating people about parental alienation," Steinberg explained. "I want to do as much as possible before I die!"

Your Expert in Parental Alienation

Steinberg's high-profile moment came after joining BLUtalks, an organization that coaches professionals in public BLUtalks captured the talk on video for at athe wide distribution and also provided speaking and presentation. She chose to unique opportunity for a slot on the Healing give her talk atFamilies, Columbia Restoring University, Connections. iconic Times Square screen. Though the a deliberate nod to the institution where details are hard to read from the street, the late Dr. Richard Gardner-who coinedcontrol, Parental alienation, coercive anddedicated psychological Steinberg her NASDAQ photo the term "Parental Alienation Syndrome" abuse can devastate families. Expert support makes to all alienated parentshealing and children.

-oncepossible. taught.

EUROPE: European Journal of Parental Alienation Practice

Professional Publication now accessible for free for a short period. Harman is a faculty member in the DepartDr. Brian O Sullivan, Founder Parental Alienation.eu & Founding Editor of the European Journal of Parental Alienation announces that “more than articles, this is an oopportunity to join a professional community committed to evidence-based approaches in the face of ideological distortion.”

One Family Time

Access here: journal.parentalalienation.eu Then, use this coupon:

TIMELIMITEDACCESS On the Horizon The momentum doesn't stop there. Stein- Contact: brian@parentalalienation.eu berg's efforts to educate will soon include a chapter in an upcoming book by best-selling author John Gray (Men Are from Mars, Dr.Women Are has from For five decades, Lynn Steinberg been Venus). a psychotherapist with an emphasis in working families.

She devotes her time BLUtalks alsowith offers opportunities at to being an expert witness in the courts worldwide testifies regarding prestigious venues like and Harvard, Oxford,domestic violence, coercive control, sexual abuse, false allegations, and parental alienation. and MIT, suggesting more high-profile (Parental alienation is when there is a separation between the parents and appearances could bechildren on theagainst horizon forparent as retribution one parent turns the child or the other for leaving the relationship.

That parent, the less functional parent, the dedicated therapist.

Among the hostages who experienced the weaponizes the children against the rejected parent.) smoothest integration from long-term Dr. Steinberg has spoken publicly about this issue, testified in the captivity were those who were fathers, legislature, and written about it. Her book, “You’re Not Crazy: Overcoming Levine said, though it took some time to Parent/Child Alienation,” is for parents and professionals and explains the rebuld phenomenon, the laws in different countries, the family law courts, andtrust how with their young children.

Dr. Lynn Steinberg

A Point of Reflection

USA: Dawn McCarty, M.CJ, MBA-Cy Earns Bronze Award for Humanitarian Impact The Women Changing the World announces that Dawn McCarty has won their Bronze Award for Humanitarian Impact.

an alienated parent can navigate these systems.

al stage is more than I can put into words..

"It'sIt isa facilitator of recovery because it She also conducts a Four-Day Reunification therapeutic program.

The award isn’t just for me. It’s for every forces them to get back into the role of similar to what the FBI does for abducted children and their families.

survivor who has spoken their truth. It’s for the brave co-authors of Warning!

“When I began this journey-driven by my Children Are Not Weapons. It’s for evown story to fight for those affected by ery single person who has supported this Dr. Steinberg the legal pathogenic parentingunderstands and coercive conmission. We won this.” landscape, ensuring families get the trol – I never imagined this.

To have this support they need. work, my “why,” be recognized on a glob- Women Changing The World Awards recognizes female changemakers across North, Expert Witness Testimony & Court Central, and South America.

Reports

Professional Services

father," Levine said. None of the women held in captivity for long periods of time were mothers. . by Melanie Lidman's article "From euphoria to painful recovery" AP PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

Explore Adds Dawn, “I’m so grateful to the awards You’re Not Crazy Consultations for Legal & Private —a book featuring real-life committee and inspired by the other inclients case studies and proven credible women in this community. strategies for navigating Thank you for believing that we complex can, and family dynamics.

ONE FAMILY AT A TIME will, change the world.”

REUNIFICATION PROGRAM

Take the first step 8

Schedule a Consultation Today INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

To learn more about Dawn’s accomplishment and others, visit https://wcwawards. com/winners-americas/.

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INTERNATI NAL NEWS BRIEFS

ISRAEL: A Plea for Evidence: Why Israel Must Re-Evaluate its Stance on Parental Alienation

by David R. Weisskopf In the complex landscape of family law, the welfare of the child must always be the paramount concern. Yet, recent policy shifts within the Israeli Court Administration concerning Parental Alienation (PA)—a devastating form of psychological abuse—suggest a concerning move away from evidence-based intervention.

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

The administration has confirmed the cancellation of Judge Erez Shani’s specialized court for parental alienation, and has signaled a preference for the term "contact refusal" over the clinically and legally recognized "parental alienation."

This decision, coupled with a reliance on pre-2020 recommendations, demands an urgent, data-driven re-evaluation.

The Problem with 2019 Evidence The Court Administration's rationale for abandoning the specialized court and moving away from PA intervention models relies heavily on policy documents and articles published in 2019.

The critical issue here is timing.

My own doctoral research, and the work of other international peers, has since produced the quantitative data necessary to scientifically scrutinize the effectiveness of models like the one pioneered

by Judge Shani in Tel Aviv. Specifically, my analysis of Israeli court cases found that the specialized court pilot program substantially reduced the time, frequency, and severity of parental alienation in its decisions.1 To base a major national policy on recommendations from a time before this quantitative data was available is to operate with one hand tied behind the back. I have formally asked the Court Administration for the quantitative evidence demonstrating that the model proposed by former Chief Family Court Judge Philip Marcus (Ret.) is, in fact, more effective than the Shani model.

The answer to this question is vital for ensuring justice and healing for affected Israeli children.

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The Difference Between "Contact Refusal" and Abuse The Israeli Court Administration’s policy to avoid the term "parental alienation" in favor of "contact refusal" is not merely a semantic choice—it’s a dangerous shift that risks victim-blaming.

"Contact refusal" implies the child is the primary agent in the rejection, failing to address the underlying psychological manipulation and coercion by the alienating parent. It places the blame on the victim, rather than the abuser.

We must recognize parental alienation for what it is: Child Psychological Abuse.

This is not just an advocacy claim; it is grounded in clinical reality. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM5) includes the diagnostic code V995.51 for Child Psychological Abuse, a category that induced parental alienation fits squarely within.2 The fear of offending the abuser must always be superseded by the child's best interest. As several jurisdictions worldwide have already done, Israel must adopt laws that

clearly define parental alienation as a form of child abuse, ensuring the legal system has the teeth to protect vulnerable children.

A Call to Action: Scaling a National Infrastructure The initial reluctance to embrace specialized, complex intervention for PA often stems from the valid concern that such cases are challenging. However, the evidence from the Tel Aviv pilot program suggests that a specialized, focused approach works.3 It is not too late to reverse this policy course.

I urge Israeli leadership to utilize the Erez Shani model—the one validated by post2019 quantitative data—as a template to create a national infrastructure for parental alienation intervention. This would ensure judges, mental health professionals, and social workers nationwide are equipped with the specialized knowledge, resources, and evidence-based protocols necessary to handle these devastating family dynamics.

By embracing quantitative data and recognizing PA as the serious form of child abuse that it is, Israel can lead the way in protecting its children and repairing families. Shalom from Jerusalem.

INT’L NEWS BRIEFS

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Identifying the Loyalty Conflict: How Abusive Parents Weaponize a Child's Love PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

I

by Dawn McCarty

n the landscape of high-conflict family dynamics, professionals are often tasked with untangling a complex web of narratives. A child’s alignment with one parent over another is frequently seen through the lens of custody battles or overt manipulation. However, a more insidious and often overlooked mechanism is at play: a manufactured psychological trap I call the Loyalty Conflict.

This dynamic is a key tactic in abusive family systems and a critical concept for any professional working to improve child outcomes.

bond. The child clings to them for survival, which makes it incredibly difficult to see their complicity in the larger system of abuse. For professionals, recognizing that a child's stated preference for one parent may be rooted in this "relative safety" dynamic is crucial.

The Loyalty Conflict arises when a child is made to feel that their love and loyalty are finite resources that must be directed exclusively toward one parent, typically the one with whom they reside. It is a war fought in the mind of a child, who is forced to believe that any positive feeling for the "other" parent is a profound betrayal of the "safer" one.

Because of this, the child's natural feelings are weaponized against them. A moment of connection or a happy memory with the targeted parent is automatically reframed in the child's mind as an act of disloyalty, triggering profound shame and guilt. This guilt is not organic; it is installed. It’s a psychological tripwire planted to ensure the child stays aligned with the controlling parent's narrative. In practice, this can manifest as a child refusing to speak about the targeted parent or showing anxiety when presented with positive memories of them.

Understanding this tactic requires a shift in perspective. To aid professionals in identifying this form of abuse, here are three key signs that a child is the victim of a Loyalty Conflict.

1. The Child Perceives an Accomplice Parent as "Relatively Safe" In a chaotic or abusive home, a child's brain will desperately seek out the least threatening figure. This individual—often a stepparent or the less overtly volatile parent—becomes a "safer" harbor . This safety is not genuine, but relative. Think of it as being trapped in a burning building; a room filled with smoke feels safer than a room engulfed in flames, but the child is still in a dangerous environment .

This "safer" parent’s relative calm or occasional kindness creates a powerful trauma

2. The Child Expresses Guilt for Positive Feelings Toward the Targeted Parent This is the core of the Loyalty Conflict. The abusive system creates an unwritten rule: to be loved and accepted by the primary parent, the child must reject the targeted parent.

3. The Accomplice Parent Fails to Defend the Child or Challenge the System This is the final, brutal reality check. While the accomplice parent may have seemed "nicer," their silence and inaction make them complicit . Their ultimate loyalty is to the abusive system, not to the child's well-being.

For professionals, this requires asking the hard questions: Does this "safer" parent actively challenge the primary abuser's lies or rage? Do they create a genuinely safe space for the child to express their true feelings, or does their presence simply maintain the toxic status quo? A truly safe adult would protect the child; an accomplice manages the child to protect the abuser.

Conclusion for Professionals Identifying a Loyalty Conflict is a critical step in intervening in cases of parental alienation and high-conflict co-parenting. It reframes the child's behavior not as a simple preference, but as a sane and tragic survival strategy in an insane situation. By understanding these signs, family professionals, policymakers, and child advocates can begin to see the abuse through the correct lens and develop interventions that dismantle the trap, rather than inadvertently reinforcing it.

Dawn McCarty is a #1 international best-selling author, award-winning cybersecurity expert, speaker, and an abduction survivor turned global advocate for child safety. She was honored with the Catalyst for Change Award for her work in promoting systemic reform and child protection. As the founder of Securing Everything, she leads the charge to protect children from toxic family dynamics, particularly those involving Child Psychological Abuse (CPA) linked to abduction, pathogenic parenting and alienation.

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Recipes with a

Heart

with Chef Laurel Herman Let’s cook:

This lentil dish is more of a stew and less of a soup. In a heavy bottomed pan drizzle some olive oil and start to sauté the carrots, celery and garlic. Add in the lentils, and the broth.

You can add more broth if needed. Cook on a medium low flame. About 15 minutes in add the tomatoes. The reason for this is if you add the tomatoes in the beginning it slows down the cooking process of the lentil. At this point you may add in a small handful of cheese or wait until its done for a garnish The lentils should be soft at this point. Always taste and adjust the seasoning. Enjoy!

- Food for Body and Soul -

Lentils with Pasta

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The Ultimate Winter Comfort Food

inter is the time we think of comfort foods. There is one dish that stands out for me. One of my best friends, recently passed away, but this dish was reminiscent of the years I spent with her Italian family in New York, particularly in the kitchen with her grandmother Mimi.

Her name was Mimi Lorenzo. Mimi always came downstairs with her hair coifed, in a dress and fully made up. She ruled the kitchen from morning until night. Watching her chop vegetables was like watching ballet.

Her fingers were long, and she deftly placed food in a pot or pan like she was painting a work of art. One item at a time dropped into the pan like she was creating a masterpiece.

Mimi told us that when they came to the United States from Italy, they were poor.

Lentils and pasta are called “Poor man’s meat. “This is the ultimate peasant food.

A complete protein, Lentils and Pasta, with of course the addition of the highest quality “Locatelli” (grated cheese) they could afford.

This dish is simple to make. The last time I made it I used a small Ziti pasta. I thought it stuck to the pasta even better than Spaghetti. It freezes easily. And I am gluten free; this recipe translates effortlessly.

Sundays have become my You tube day where I make a meal like this and have a ME day. I look forward to catching up with my favorite show. It’s my way of shutting the noise of the world out. Feeding yourself well does not have to cost a fortune, it can be simple. Use the good dishes.

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And...

For those of us who are on our own this is a great dish to share with friends, or family of choice. Create your own memories. I think Mimi would approve.

Note: Add the broth a little at time, they should just cover the lentils.

Here’s the recipe: This is more like a stew than a soup. Add broth as needed, this recipe can be made with your own spin on it!

You will need a 2-3 qt heavy bottom pan.

This recipe serves 4 u 1 cup green lentils rinsed well. u 2-3 carrots, peeled, and diced u 2-3 stick celery washed and diced u 2-3 cloves of garlic, smashed but not chopped u 2-3 Cups veggie or chicken broth u 1 small can of diced tomatoes u Locatelli or parmesan cheese (vegan cheeses are optional) u ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper u Olive oil u Pasta of choice. I thought it did well on ziti.

Laurel Herman is a Chef, author, Chef instructor, Culinary storyteller, and a Certified Holistic Health Coach. With over 45 years of experience, she is the author of The Blissed-Out Chef, 2015, the Inner Kitchen 2011, and currently blogs for the Times of Israel, Contemporary Family and her website. She also has a new podcast on Spotify and is featured in the June 2021 Issue of Virginia Living. She is available for private and public instruction and events.

Website: www.itsmorethanjustfood.com Instagram: its.more. than.just.food Email: Itsmoretnanjustfood1@gmail.com RECIPES WITH A HEART

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Toronto welcomes the 2025 pasg Conference September 10th -12th

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Examining Policy and Outcomes: Highlights from the 2025 PASG Conference

Chairman's Summary of the 7th PASG Conference

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by Dr. Yvonne M. Parnell ASG’s 2025 7th International conference entitled “Best Practices in Parental Alienation Assessment, Intervention & Advocacy: A roadmap for judicial accuracy and resolution” was record breaking! There were 433 attendees from 23 countries who gathered either in-person or virtually to hear the latest research and clinical expertise on a wide range of topics.

Mme. Justice Marie-France Vincent (Quebec, Canada) set a captivating tone for the conference with her Keynote address on Day 1 as she facilitated a poignant conversation between three target parents alongside Canada’s own Dr. Barbara Jo Fidler and Mr. Brian Hall. One could hear a pin drop as Mr. Joshua Homme, Mr. X and Ms. G spoke openly and poignantly about their exhaustive efforts to reunite with their children and the devastating effects that the alienation process had on them and their extended families. Crucially, they offered suggestions about how the Court might best streamline the process to reduce the damage to children and their families, and all three parents’ faces lit up as they were asked to describe how their children are faring now! Working in this field is not for the faint of heart, but hearing this panel discussion provided incentive to continue our labor.

For the first time, we also heard directly from the children whose lives have been impacted by international parent children abduction and severe parental alienation.

Heleen Koppejan facilitated a riveting conversation with Mishu & Jenna Kozlowski

and Jasmine Nakano about their lived experiences of being manipulated to reject a once-loved parent, and their struggles to heal from their childhood abuse. I do not think there was a dry eye in the room.

At the end of Day 1, Jacqueline Rourke, a broadcast journalist and owner of Navigating Parental Alienation, organized an evening of respite for the target parent conference attendees - a chance to breathe, connect and to be with other parents living the same pain.

Jacqueline shared her own inspirational story of successfully reconnecting with her severely alienated children after a decade of loss.

Kate Pearl Gibbs, an art teacher, exhibited her powerful alienation-inspired paintings. David Wang, a retired professor and alienated father, entertained with pop-rock music of his own creation. We know the friendships made that evening will continue to grow.

The downtown Toronto Marriott’s superb conference facilities allowed for easy navigation traversing between the sixty-nine talks presented concurrently in seven salons over the two days. Presentations ranged from new scientific advances, learning from clinical and legal failures, a psycho-legal protocol for child resist-refuse dynamics used in Quebec, trajectories of parental alienation cases in Canadian Courts, expert testimony and assaults on expert witnesses, long-term outcomes of Family Bridges cases, and identifying and combatting mis/disinformation. Conference participants also enjoyed delicious breakfasts and snacks, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Brian Ludmer at Ludmer Law. The goal of the conference was to focus on empowering the judiciary with the latest

From left to right: William (Bill) Bernet, PhD former president of the PASG; Mark David Roseman, PhD, Founder and Editor of Contemporary Family Quarterly; and Stanley (Stan) Korosi, PhD, Principal Consultant-Director Adjunct Fellow School of Law and Society, UniSC, PASG Board of Directors Member

scholarly knowledge and tools to ensure legal accuracy in cases involving allegations of parental alienation and other forms of family violence. The feedback from attendees clearly indicates that we more than met that goal.

Thank you to everyone who helped to organize this conference. Thank you to Accelera Marketing for its amazing marketing and communication strategy. Thank you to the Scientific Committee for your combined efforts: Christine Giancarlo, Amanda Sharples, Brian Ludmer, Denise McCartan and Ben Hine. Thank you to our Organizing Committee of Anita Dong, Hannah Flowerday, Julia Flowerday and Shazya Ladak for your outstanding work. And thank you to our generous sponsors including PASG, Ludmer Law, Accelera Marketing, Family Bridges, Worldparents.org, Niman Mamo, ISN, COPARA, Preserving Family Ties Media, LLC, PASI, and the PA Consortium.

Finally, and most importantly, thanks to all of you for lending your voices, enthusiasm and support to make this conference happen and for your continued work to end parental alienation. It was a pleasure to host you in our fair city. I look forward to seeing you next year in Perth, Australia

Dr. Yvonne M. Parnell was the Chairman of the 7th PASG Conference and is the founder of the Family Bridges Institute of Toronto, ON Canada. The Family Bridges workshop and Aftercare Protocol are the most documented and researched interventions for severely alienated children and their parents. A centralized database provides rich opportunities for research projects. The Family Bridges workshop is the earliest specialized program for troubled and severely alienated parent–child relationships. Contact: https://www.familybridgesinstitute.com - drp@yvonneparnell.com CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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Parenting Under Siege: How Everyday Parenting Becomes a Battle for Targeted Parents

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by Randy Flood, PhD

veryday parenting for a parent who has been targeted by alienation can feel like they are parenting under siege, as common and average parental behaviors are misconstrued and weaponized within the custody and legal system1. The cultural climate in which parenting takes place has shifted, creating a child-centric ethos that risks prioritizing a child’s momentary wants and emotions over their long-term developmental and parental needs, which sets the stage for misunderstanding and mislabeling in complex custody and alienation cases2.

tive (goal: collaboration) to attuned and responsive (goal: connection)8. When one of these philosophies is weaponized, the parent using a structured approach may be labeled “controlling and abusive,” while a parent focused on connection may be labeled “permissive and neglectful,” and a parent seeking balance may be called “inconsistent and unstable”9. Normative parent-child relationships also exist on a continuum, ranging from positive relationships with both parents to a child having an affinity with one parent, and finally to a child being fully allied with one parent10.

To understand the core issue, we must first establish a foundation of what constitutes average-range parenting3. According to the bell curve of parenting, 68.2% of parents fall within the average range, and this range includes normal parental flaws4. A small percentage, about 2.3%, fall into the extreme range of highly abusive or neglectful parenting, which is typically the focus of child welfare agencies5. Parents who are struggling with stress or a lack of specialized knowledge, such as those with children who have special needs, may appear below average, but this is not an indication of gross incompetence6. Targeted parents, however, are often blamed rather than being provided with context-sensitive help7.

The current cultural perspective impacts how professionals view children, creating a fragile-child perception that seeks to avoid discomfort versus a capable-child perception that promotes growth through challenge11. This fragile framing is then amplified by the alienating parent and used to undermine the targeted parent12.

The concept of anti-fragility, applied by Jonathan Haidt to parenting, suggests that manageable stress, or “just enough stress” (hormesis), builds resilience in children, much like wind strengthens a tree13. Overprotection leads to anxiety and fragility14.

Parenting philosophies naturally exist on a spectrum, from structured and directive (goal: compliance) to balanced and adapPHOTO BY KARLYUKAV -FREEPIK.COM

The alienation dynamic exploits this perception by framing the child’s distress (RRDs) as proof of the targeted parent’s “unfitness” rather than a symptom of the alienation dynamic itself, a phenomenon known as the Fundamental Attribution

Error15. Any mental health decline, such as anxiety or dysregulation, is seen as proof of the targeted parent’s unfitness16.

Furthermore, the child may be given a “special needs” narrative, framing the targeted parent as unable to meet those needs17. Under this chronic stress, even average parenting risks decomposing into problematic parenting18.

A key aspect of this siege is the "Independent Thinker" phenomenon, unwittingly supported by a child-centric ethos19. The child’s rejection of the targeted parent is weaponized by the alienating parent as “their own choice”20. Professionals may misread this rejection as healthy autonomy, strength, or confidence21. In reality, this behavior is often a defense mech-

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recognized as a human response to being isolated and unsupported while dealing with a child with special needs31.

This siege can escalate into multiple Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations, where the child's visible distress during transitions is used to focus on the targeted parent as "unfit"32. The RRDs are misattributed to the targeted parent instead of the alienating parent’s coercion and psychological abuse33. This denial of alienation as family violence calls for classifying parental alienation as a substantiated form of child abuse or mental injury34.

What begins as isolated mis-categorization builds into a pervasive, pummeling false narrative35. The targeted parent experiences their parenting as under siege from a chronic, inescapable narrative that involves their children, co-parent, counselors, legal professionals, and even unwitting accomplices36. This legal and parenting crisis parallels the dynamics seen in Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS)37. Both the Battered Woman and the Battered Targeted Parent experience deep betrayal and seek connection despite hopelessness and rejection38. Both are misunderstood by the system: the Battered Woman was once seen as irrational or complicit, and the Targeted Parent is often seen as unstable, unfit, or responsible for the family breakdown39.

anism, a loyalty contract fueled by enmeshment, or projective identification from the alienating parent, which is a form of self-effacement, not independence22. The siege concludes with the targeted parent being seen as unsupportive and controlling, while the alienating parent is seen as affirming and supportive23.

Professionals must learn to decode this behavior and refrain from reinforcing it24.

In everyday life, children often resist things like doctor visits, swimming lessons, or visiting extended family, but we do not conclude they are unsafe25. Instead, we support them through the discomfort with an anti-fragile mindset26. However, in alienation cases, as the child's rejection, resistance, and refusal (RRDs) CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

intensify, the targeted parent's authority is delegitimized, forming a relational dynamic professionals often misread27.

Targeted parents are pathologized through three major categories of allegations: miscategorized parenting, decontextualized parenting, and misunderstood parenting28. Miscategorized parenting occurs when average parenting behaviors are miscategorized as abusive or punitive29. Decontextualized parenting occurs when a parent's actions are judged without awareness of the history of parental alienating behaviors and the effect the dynamic has on the child's RRDs30.

Misunderstood parenting is when normal parental flaws or mistakes are exaggerated into a pattern of unfitness rather than

The trauma experienced by targeted parents is best understood through the lens of Complex Trauma in Alienated Parents (C-TAP)40. Recognized in the ICD-11 as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), it arises from prolonged, repeated, interpersonal trauma41. C-TAP manifests not only with core PTSD symptoms but also Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO), including emotional dysregulation, a negative self-concept of worthlessness, and interpersonal difficulties42. In C-TAP, the prolonged trauma is chronic rejection, emotional cutoff, and the legal loss of the parenting role, leading to a distorted self-perception as "unfit" or "obsessed"43.

In summation, average-range parenting is increasingly pathologized under siege conditions44. Children benefit from an

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 anti-fragile, resiliency-building ethos, which counters the false narrative of alienation45. Targeted parents are besieged by allegations in three major categories: miscategorized, decontextualized, and misunderstood46. They are over-pathologized and need proper understanding and advocacy, similar to how victim psychology helped intimate partner violence victims47. Mental health and legal professionals must critically examine their role in either reinforcing or breaking the siege on targeted parents’ parenting48.

For systemic repair, judges should consider developing specialty dockets for high-conflict cases involving RRDs49. It is vital not to be duped by the obfuscation that paints the alienating parent’s behavior as "protective" and the targeted parent’s as "abusive"50. Forensic family evaluations should be ordered to clarify the causes of the child's resistance51. Judges must issue clear findings to direct a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) approach, because delays act as an intervention that is usually the wrong one52.

Enforcing proper parenting time and no-contact orders is necessary to reestablish parental authority and healthy roles53.

Mental health professionals must promote anti-fragile development by holding multiple working hypotheses and not accepting the child's narrative at face value54. They must recognize child distortions, polarizations, and loyalty conflicts as attachment wounds requiring intervention55. Professionals should push back against fragile-child ideologies and support anti-fragile growth by helping children tolerate distress and rebuild trust56.

In reunification work, they must operate under clear court authority, using family-systems models and proper protocols, and must collaborate across disciplines57.

Ultimately, the system must reject childled rejection when no evidence of abuse exists58. Targeted parents need trauma-informed counseling to prepare for

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reunification efforts59. Alienating parents require structured intervention and accountability, modeled after Batterer Intervention Programs where external pressure drives internal change60. Children need adult-guided boundaries, not permission to sever bonds61. Parental alienation is family violence, not merely

a custody dispute62. Alienators, like batterers before them, thrive in fragmented systems63. It is time to implement a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) model—which revolutionized domestic violence intervention—to address children's RRDs, C-TAP in targeted parents, and the behaviors of alienating parents64.

Randy Flood MA, LLP is co-founder of the Men’s Resource Center of West Michigan and founder/director of its Grand Rapids, Michigan office. He graduated from Calvin College with a BA in Psychology and earned his Master’s degree from the Counseling Psychology Program at Western Michigan University. After working two years at the Domestic Violence Program for Men in Kalamazoo, he left to start the Men’s Program at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids. In 2000, he founded the Men’s Resource Center at the Fountain Hill Center for Counseling and Consultation.

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pasg The Parental Alienation Study Group (pasg) 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 CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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The Expert's Role in Parental Alienation: Education, Information, and Guidance for the Court

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by Dr. Alan Blotcky, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist ith 41 years of experience as a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in high-conflict child custody and divorce cases, I have concentrated for the past 15 years on the unique challenges posed by parental alienation (PA). I have testified in close to 70 cases across 19 or 20 states, and my perspective is rooted in the reality of the courtroom. Parental alienation is a problem that does happen, and experts are essential for explaining its nature and severity to the court system.

The Inevitable Crisis and the Need for Judicial Intervention It is almost axiomatic to state that all cases of moderate and severe PA will find their way to court. This is because moderate and severe parental alienation will not resolve on its own, despite the best intentions of therapists involved. The situation is likely to stalemate because each party has fundamentally different motivations: u The alienating parent wants the alienation to continue. u The alienated child wants to remain aligned with the favored parent. u The rejected parent feels miserable and is making no progress in contact.

This is why family therapy alone often doesn't work. Making a difference requires therapeutic intervention and court intervention acting in concert. One without the other is not sufficient.

This is where experts come in. Experts provide education, information, and guidance to the court. This is the expert’s mantra, and it must remain central to the entire process. Your audience is a one-person audience—the judge—as they are the decision-maker.

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Core Knowledge: The Expert's Guidebook To be an effective expert, one must have the requisite knowledge and credentials. You must know the characteristics, tenets, and definitions of parental alienation, understanding its counterintuitive nature. Credentials such as experience in custody evaluations and court testimony, publishing papers, and presenting at international conferences help establish the necessary gravitas.

Regardless of the expert's specific role in a case, there are certain core, science-based concepts that must be presented: u The definition of parental alienation and the five-factor model of diagnosis. u The 17 alienating behaviors and the eight characteristics of an alienated child. u The three levels of severity (mild, moderate, and severe).

u PA-specific treatment protocols and guidelines, including the uses and misuses of reunification therapy. u The impact of PA on children and teenagers, both immediate and long-term.

These concepts serve as the expert’s official synopsis—the "bible" to guide the testimony.

The Four Scenarios of Expert Engagement The expert's specific approach varies based on the role assigned by the court or retained by the attorney.

1. The Court-Appointed Custody Evaluator This is the most comprehensive and often most effective role. The expert gets to evaluate all family members, conduct psychological testing, and review extensive collateral information, from emails and texts to recordings. Since the report is court-apCONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

pointed, the judge often relies heavily on its conclusions. However, this is a huge undertaking, often taking months and thousands of dollars, making it prohibitive in many cases. The report must be clearly written and its conclusions must match its recommendations; an evaluator who is inconclusive or wrong harms the case.

Case Vignette: Dr. Leuen, a court-appointed psychologist, evaluated the Smith family, finding severe alienation due to the mother’s persistent behaviors. He produced a clear report recommending the father have custody, stating that co-parenting would not be successful. His conclusions were clear and consistent with his recommendations.

2. The Blind Consultant for the Court When a judge needs to be educated on the topic of parental alienation generally, they may appoint a blind expert. This expert is usually protected from attacks as a "hired gun" and focuses on the general principles of PA. While the testimony does not delve into the facts of the case, attorneys can use hypothetical questions to help the judge connect the general principles of PA to the specifics of the situation.

3. The Behind-the-Scenes Consultant In this scenario, the expert is retained by the rejected parent's attorney with no plan to testify. The expert's role is to educate, inform, and guide the attorney, helping them navigate the complexities of the case. The expert advises on motions, deposition questions, strategy, and organizes the facts into a compelling PA framework. They prepare the attorney to dissect and reframe an opposing custody evaluation or to handle common criticisms of PA.

The Imperative to Be an Advocate To be an effective expert in PA cases, one must recognize that it is not for the faint-hearted.

You will be subjected to personal and professional attacks, and you must remain focused, calm, and on message.

4. The Testifying Expert Retained by Counsel The expert is retained by the rejected parent and their attorney to testify at trial.

The expert reviews documentation provided by the rejected parent—pleadings, emails, recordings, etc.—and synthesizes these facts into a compelling narrative that is consistent with the general principles of PA. A key limitation here is that the expert typically does not have access to the alienating parent or the children. Therefore, while clear conclusions can be offered based on the evidence reviewed, a formal diagnosis should be avoided.

Most importantly, I contend that experts should be advocates. I run into people all the time who speak of the need to be "neutral." However, parental alienation needs something far beyond neutrality. Being objective does not mean you cannot take a stand. If the clinical truth reveals parental alienation, you need to state it clearly, defend it firmly, and be willing to withstand cross-examination.

Neutrality often leads to the status quo, enabling the situation to continue. The expert’s duty is to articulate the clinical truth to the court and be an advocate for that truth.

Furthermore, success in these cases is rarely all-or-nothing. The goal should be defined as baby steps—more contact with the child afterward than before.

This measured view helps manage parental expectations.

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Alan Blotcky, PhD is a is a clinical and forensic psychologist in private practice in Birmingham, Alabama. He is also Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Blotcky is a frequent expert in parental alienation cases across the country. He can be reached at alanblotcky@att.net.

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A Child Protective Response to Parental Alienation: Defining the Threshold for Intervention

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by Shawn Wygant

he question of when a child's exposure to parental alienation behaviors should require a child protective response is one of the most vital challenges facing courts and mental health professionals in family law today. To effectively address this, it is essential to define and differentiate between parental alienation (PA), which refers to the acts of maltreatment, and parental alienation syndrome (PAS), which refers to the symptoms that may or may not appear in the child. By making this distinction, we can intervene earlier and align our response with established child protection models.

The Parental Alienation Child Abuse Model argues that a child’s exposure to parental alienation behaviors alone—regardless of whether symptoms of a syndrome show up—constitutes a form of child psychological abuse that warrants a protective response.

This perspective allows us to distinguish between parental alienation, which is a set of

behaviors perpetrated by a parent that is likely to cause harm to the child's relationship with the other parent, and parental alienation syndrome, which is the symptomatic outcome observed in some children exposed to those behaviors. As Edward Crook noted in 2018, parental alienation is a significant form of harm to children and, as a form of individual child abuse, calls for an appropriate protective response.

To understand parental alienation (PA), we look to research defining the behaviors, such as the 56 acts of maltreatment cataloged by Darnell and Baker. These acts— which include bad-mouthing, encouraging hatred, sharing court materials with the child, making repeated unfounded allegations of abuse, and forcing the child to choose between parents—are what constitute parental alienation. Parental alienation syndrome (PAS), in contrast, refers to the cluster of eight symptoms identified by Dr. Gardner: the campaign of denigration, friv-

olous rationalizations, lack of ambivalence (splitting), borrowed scenarios, reflexive support for the alienating parent, the independent thinker phenomenon, absence of guilt, and spread of animosity to the targeted parent's extended family.

It is crucial to recognize that the cluster of symptoms associated with PAS is not a diagnostic criterion for parental alienation itself.

The resist, refuse, avoid, or reject (RRD) dynamic is a byproduct of the syndrome that does not happen in all cases. Conflating PA (the acts of maltreatment) with PAS (the indicators of harm) creates a false assumption: that the child must be resisting contact or exhibiting the eight symptoms before we can diagnose or intervene against the abuse.

If we require the presence of symptoms, we commit a Type II error, or a false negative, by claiming the abuse does not exist until the child's functioning is severely impaired.

Evidence shows that children are exposed to parental alienation behaviors whether or

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not they ever exhibit the syndrome or display the RRD dynamic.

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The importance of acting before symptoms appear is supported by the broader scientific research on psychological maltreatment.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), defines child psychological abuse as any non-accidental verbal or symbolic acts by a child's parent or caregiver that results or has reasonable potential to result in significant psychological harm. This means that evidence of a child’s exposure to parental behaviors likely to cause harm to the child's relationship with the other parent is, by definition, child psychological abuse. We do not have to wait for the harm to be realized and the symptoms to be fully manifested.

The Parental Alienation Child Abuse Model simplifies the protective response into two questions for evaluators: First, has a child been exposed to parental alienation behaviors? If yes, it is parental alienation and psychological abuse, and a protective response is warranted. Second, does the child exhibit symptoms of the syndrome?

If yes, the case has progressed to parental alienation syndrome. The tragic endpoints of not intervening early are evident in cases where severe brainwashing and "rewriting reality" techniques lead to catastrophic outcomes, such as children being manipulated into cutting off a parent or committing violent acts.

To assess how courts are dealing with this challenge, a survey of over 1,200 appellate court cases across the United States found that judges ruled parental alienation was present in 55% of cases where it was alleged. Of those cases where PA was found, 72% relied on the PAS model (symptoms in the child), but a significant 28%—the good news—recognized that mere exposure to parental alienation behaviors was sufficient to warrant a child protective response, such as a change or modification of custody. This shows that trial court judges are already using the logic of the Parental Alienation Child Abuse Model.

However, the survey also found that when parental alienation was improperly ruled out, a Type II error was committed. These errors often stemmed from the courts misunderstanding the science and insisting that the children must show symptoms of PAS. In other cases, courts refused to intervene, concluding that even when severe alienation symptoms were present, separating the child from the alienating parent would cause more harm—a "too alienated to protect" fallacy.

This failure to act, despite clear evidence, results in children remaining with the abusive parent while the non-abusive targeted parent is permanently erased from the children’s lives.

The conclusion is clear: the use of the Parental Alienation Child Abuse Model is predicted to reduce Type II errors by requiring a protective response as soon as there is evidence of the child's exposure to alienating behaviors. Courts already recognize the term parental alienation as a form of child psychological abuse. Adopting this model and educating professionals on the distinction between acts of maltreatment (PA) and indicators of harm (PAS) should lead to earlier, more effective intervention before children develop the complex and entrenched symptoms of the syndrome. It is an approach that aligns with established child protective strategy and is necessary to stop the abuse before it becomes irreversible.

Shawn Wygant is a skilled, dedicated, resourceful and creative forensic psychology associate who shares his expertise in courts across the United States. He holds Masters degrees in clinical psychology and forensic psychology, and is on track to complete his Ph.D. Clinical Psychology program by the Spring of 2024. Shawn works as a limited licensed psychologist under the supervision of noted scholar, attorney, and forensic psychologist Demosthenes Lorandos.

Contact: (+1)(989) 335-5134 or email: swygant@psychlaw.net CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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We Are the Media Now: A Global Call to Collective Action

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by the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB) - Larry DeMarco, Executive Manager The Power of Collective Engagement Our partners include members of the Do- participants. Members can then connect din today’s world of social media al- mestic Abuse and Violence Internation- rectly with like-minded allies, request supgorithms, visibility is determined al Alliance (DAVIA), the Internation- port, and coordinate actions. not by truth or merit, but by engage- al Council for Men and Boys (ICMB), ment. When content shows a hun- the National Parents Organization, and Campaign requests are submitted through dred loyal followers interacting simulta- the International Council on Shared Par- an online intake form, which includes: neously—watching, liking, sharing, and enting, among others. commenting—it signals to the algorithm u Campaign title and purpose that the content matters. This creates Together, we aim to form a decentralan exponential multiplier effect, propel- ized global communication network— u Pre-made posts, graphics, and ling that content to reach thousands or self-sustaining, self-executing, and pow- hashtags for easy sharing even millions of viewers. ered by shared purpose rather than paid u Call to action (e.g., share, register, doinfrastructure.

This isn’t just about digital mechanics—it’s nate, contact legislators) a cultural shift. The mindset must evolve How to Join and Participate from “my cause only” to “our causes collec- To participate, members submit basic details: u Supporting links and background matively.” Supporting the campaigns of allied terials advocates strengthens everyone’s reach. u Name, country, and focus area Sharing and responding quickly to others’ This structure eliminates unnecescalls for action today builds alliances that sary meetings, prevents delays, and u Website and social-media handles will be vital tomorrow. allows busy professionals to contribu Size of audience and influence metrics ute efficiently—simply by reviewing Why We Must Act Now the spreadsheet, choosing campaigns Mainstream media coverage of nuanced, This information is entered into a shared aligned with their mission, and sharing evidence-based issues like parental alienGoogle Sheet, accessible only to campaign approved materials. ation and false allegations has been shrinking. Meanwhile, opposing advocacy groups with better funding and coordinated messaging dominate both traditional and social media.

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For instance, domestic-violence lobbying groups have successfully influenced media narratives—even within academic journals. False or misleading claims are sometimes published as legitimate research because of coordinated campaigns by anti-father or anti-shared-parenting networks. When advocates for men and boys present factual data, these groups often respond by flagging the content as misogynistic or harassment, leading to censorship and suppression of truth.

Our Campaign: We Are the Media Now The “We Are the Media Now” campaign unites advocates worldwide to share facts, amplify each other’s messages, and counter misinformation through cooperation, not hierarchy.

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Types of Campaigns 1. Legislation Advocates use our network to support good bills or block harmful ones. Each submission should include: u The bill number, jurisdiction, and official link u Hearing or vote dates u Legislative status and next steps u Contact information for lawmakers u A proposed message or template for outreach AI tools can assist members in rewriting messages in their own voice—streamlining communication with policymakers.

2. Events Promote conferences, hearings, rallies, and local initiatives. Our network can quickly distribute information to members worldwide.

3. Media and Messaging Share videos, articles, podcasts, or blog posts to educate the public and advance our shared narrative.

Collaborate with podcasters in our network to participate as guests, cross-promote missions, and reach new audiences.

Building a Supportive Social Media Network Once you join, subscribe to and follow other members on Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Rumble, and other platforms. When you see a post from a campaign member: u Watch it in full (or let it play muted) u Leave a meaningful comment (“This message needs to be heard” or “Important insights—thank you for speaking up”) u Tag the creator and include relevant hashtags (e.g., #ICMBB, #DAVIA) These actions improve visibility dramatically. Comments carry more algorithmic weight than “likes,” and sustained view time boosts reach far more than brief clicks.

Influencers and Impact Podcasters today rival mainstream media in influence.

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to major television markets like New York or Los Angeles.

Even smaller podcasters with 50,000– 100,000 subscribers often match the viewership of local TV news broadcasts. This proves that independent voices—when united—can rival institutional media power.

Tracking Participation and Results Use hashtags not just for discovery but for accountability. They allow us to track who’s active, measure engagement, and verify mutual support.

Regular analytics—growth in subscribers, views, and engagement—demonstrate credibility to policymakers and potential allies.

We measure success by: u Growth in followers, comments, and shares u Invitations for interviews and collaborations u Legislative wins: good bills advanced, harmful ones blocked u Shifts in public awareness and media narratives

u Joe Rogan’s interviews have shaped national discourse and elections.

Momentum is contagious. People want to join movements that are winning, visible, and growing.

u Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” commands millions of listeners—comparable

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Join the Campaign To join, email Henry Herrera at henryherrera@icmbbuassistme.com.

Provide your contact details, audience size, and social-media channels.

Then: u Follow other campaign members on major platforms. u Engage daily—like, comment, and share content related to your advocacy focus. u Submit your own campaign for network support. u Offer your expertise for interviews, podcasts, and articles. u Contribute your time, skills, and connections to strengthen our collective impact.

A Movement Toward Truth Our opponents are already organized and active. They spread misinformation daily

while mainstream media remain silent on complex realities in family court. We must be our own media, our own voice, and our own movement.

Fragmentation weakens us. Dozens of advocacy groups exist for similar causes, but if each remains isolated, we stay invisible.

By uniting our efforts, we create a global, credible, data-driven counterforce that cannot be ignored.

Together, we will shift the cultural narrative toward truth, fairness, and justice in family-law discussions.

Final Call When we act together, we pre-sell the truth to policymakers and the public—before we even walk into the room.

We are voices in the wind together.

We are the media now.

And we will be heard. u Email: henryherrera@icmbbuassistme.com u Visit: menandboys.net to join our movement and help raise awareness of the 12 Areas of Male Disadvantage.

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PHOTO BY DC STUDIO -FREEPIK.COM

Larry DeMarco, LLM serves as Executive Manager of the International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB), a nonprofit raising awareness of 12 areas of male disadvantage. He is also the Founder of The Law Center and has been a legal practitioner for 33 years in the Philadelphia region. Larry has also served as a Judge Pro-Tem, a board secretary of Cohmar, Inc. (one of the largest Philadelphia mental health care providers), a board member for the Justinian Law Society, and a custody mediator. Contact: glawrence.demarco@gmail.com 24

PASG

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An Optimistic Outlook for Impasses of Alienation BLOTCKY

BERNET

PARENTAL ALIENATION FOR FAMILIES AND PRACTITIONERS: Q&A

Parental Alienation for Families and Practitioners: Q&A was created Anfor parents, grandparents, and Optimistic Outlook for Impasses of Alienation both mental health and legal practitioners who Parental Alienation for Families and Practitioners: Q&A was created for parents, grandparents, and both mental health and legal pracwho are copingalienation. with parental alienation. This mentalmental are coping withtitioners parental This condition creates extremely frustrating dilemmas that confound families who are facing alienation in their children. The authors condition creates extremely frustrating dilemmas intend for this book to provide a pragmatic roadmap for family members and family court professionals who are experiencing that confound families who are facing alienation parental alienation in their lives and their workspaces. As much the authors strike an optimistic tone for resolving in their children.asthesepossible, The authors intend for book difficult situations. Each chapter is organized aroundthis specific, salient questions about parental alienation situations. Answers are augmented with case vignettes that illustrate key points. memto provide a pragmatic roadmap for family Children’s drawings are included because they are poignant and to the topics at hand. Each chapter includes recom-are exbers and familyrevealing court professionals who mended readings for additional, in-depth knowledge. periencing parental alienation in their lives and their workspaces. As much as possible, the authors strike an optimistic tone for resolving these difficult situations. Each chapter is organized around specific, salient questions about parenA 6-year-old boy drew this picture of a warship: “It’s my favorite thing. It’s a war!” tal alienation situations. Answers are augmented with case vignettes that illustrate key points.

Children’s drawings are included because they are poignant and revealing to the topics at hand.

Each chapter includes recommended readings for additional, in-depth knowledge.

Parental Alienation for Families and Practitioners:

Q&A

With Case Vignettes and Children’s Artwork

THOMAS

Alan D. Blotcky, Ph.D. William Bernet, M.D.

AVAILABLE SOON ON CCTHOMAS.COM // AMAZON // GOOGLE PLAY CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

PASG

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The Parental Alienation Field and the Future of Families into the Twenty-first Century

by Stanley (Stan) Korosi - Adjunct Fellow, School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia Yet, there is little research or dialogue PART 1 about how the PA field may inform the ocial alienation in families, also structure and nature of family relationknown as PA, refers to a pro- ships in the twenty-first century. Silence cess in families where one parent may not be an option. Extreme advocates (the alienating parent) influences a of gendered policies oppose the entire PA child to unjustifiably reject, fear, or dispar- field on political and ideological grounds age the other parent (the targeted parent). (Milchman et al., 2020, Milchman, 2018).

The publication in 2025 of the first synopsis Extreme gendered ideology considers of PA theory and practice highlights the va- women and children as the marginalised lidity and reliability of the concept and the class victims of characterologically male scope of practice (PASG, 2025). Research, oppression expressed as a structural patrimainly since 2016, has shifted focus from archal oppression. This ideology makes the treating PA only as a diagnosable syndrome role of fathers precarious and promotes a to the behavioural dynamic and its social divisive gender dialogue that marginalises and policy implications. . women and children.

S

TheOne of the most significant social implications is how the contemporary family will develop and what influence PA may have on that development in the context of drivers of change such as globalisation, climate variability, reproductive technologies, social and economic precarity, cultural divisions and geographic resource conflicts. These factors point to family formation and configuration shifts from the mid-twenty-first century and beyond (OECD, 2012). The influence of social and parental alienation extends beyond the predominant problem-saturated perspective of the PA field; it goes to the evolving structural fluidity of families and the political contours of family relationships that anticipate profound social change.

Such political and ideological views contour family structures to eliminate the family relationship narratives that communicate such male-gendered domestic violence, but also those that include men and fathers and which support abolishing families altogether (Lewis, 2022). If that is the case, then there is a question about the role of fathers in such families and society. The dominant gendered narrative about violence against women and children conflates men and fathers as class enemies and carriers of patriarchy. Meanwhile, women and mothers should shape and control family relationship narratives (Millett 1970). Such narratives that condemn one gender and parenting role and inculcate children into the ideology that

their fathers are perpetrators are an example of an alienating narrative at a societal level (Korosi 2024, Scharp and Hall 2017).

Historical Conceptual Debates About Alienation in Families.

Opponents to the PA concept frequently return to the child psychiatrist, Richard Gardner’s, foundational formulation of the idea of PA in the 1980s as “Parental Alienation Syndrome” (Gardner, 1985), known then as PAS. Current thinking has moved PHOTO BY FREEPIK

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toward focusing on parenting behaviour, known as PABs (Parental Alienating Behaviours) and away from using terms like PAS, which have a narrow clinical and diagnostic focus. Gardner proposed the eight core criteria that define PA as a phenomenon manifesting in the child that is distinct from other forms of resist-refuse dynamics, parent-child contact problems or coercive control. These criteria still form the common thread linking all formulations and reformulations of PA (Gardner, 2004, Kelly and Johnson, 2001).

Gardner's works originated in the 1980s, a time of profound changes to the structure and characteristics of families as they responded to changing social narratives about equity, gender and gendered domestic violence. More than 40 years later, another social dynamic for change is entrenching itself. This change situates family relationships and post-separation shared parenting as a threat to women and children, whom the dominant gendered ideology casts as marginalised victims of the CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

patriarchal order (Lewis 2021). PA is also seen as a similar threat because it is inimical to the dominant narrative of marginalised women and children as victims of patriarchy (Milchman 2018). For example, remediation for alienated parent-child relationships focuses on restoring the child’s ruptured family relationships and utilising shared parenting as an aspirational post-separation goal (De Torres Perea et al., 2021, PASG, 2025). Yet, extreme forms of feminism regard shared parenting or co-parenting as a threat to women and children because it perpetuates nuclear family paradigms rooted in patriarchal power structures (Lewis, 2021) Gendered ideologies influence family structures and their relational narratives if not calling for their abolishment altogether (Lewis, 2022). The purpose of such claims may be to eliminate patriarchal violence by cancelling the power relations entrenched in families that support it. However, their real motive is to radically restructure families in society to shift power and social

resources to women and children (Lewis, 2022, Weeks 2023).

Advocates for male-gendered domestic violence have focused on making gendered relational violence a structural and political issue requiring policy changes that attend primarily to gender, instead of situating it as a psychological disorder (Morely and Macfarlane 2008). Male-gendered violence advocates are influencing social change in society and families. At the same time, the PA field is historically situated in a clinical paradigm.

Alienating Discourse as a Focus of Structural Change in Families Social alienation presents in families as parental alienation, which manifests as a structural change in power relations in society and families. Sociological theories may explain how one parent can exercise power through narratives to reshape a child’s loyalties (Korosi 2024). For exam-

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 ple, Giddens’ structuration theory suggests that social discourses shape individual behaviour, resulting in a structural change in power mediated through relationships (Giddens, 2013). An alienating parent uses “discursive strategies” to coerce family members into vilifying the other parent.

Scholars describe alienation as discursive violence (Giladi, 2020).

Figure 1 demonstrates the alienation discourse and its process of adverse structural change in family relationships. The process of alienation begins with communicating actions in narratives that cancel parenting identity. Referring to parents by their first names or even refusing to acknowledge them as parents, grandparents, pr other extended family members demotes the parent to a lesser status and reverses the

power relationships in the family. Other actions communicated in narratives exclude the targeted patent from a relationship. A common means of achieving exclusion is to portray the targeted person as dangerous (Korosi 2024).

These alienating narratives become normalised in the family as an implicit, if not explicit, condition of a relationship with the favoured parent. The family becomes reconfigured as an alienating family where the alienation discourse constantly reinforces conditional relationships and exclusion as a norm. This normalisation can result in extreme actions without any moral reservations.

The alienating parent imposes a narrative, an alienating discourse, that makes defamation and vilification of the other parent seem “normal” within the family, thus reinforcing

harmful behaviours through family interactions (Korosi, 2024, Scharp and Hall, 2017).

This alienating discourse is a structural phenomenon in families mirroring broader societal power struggles (Kalekin-Fishman and Langman 2015, Korosi, 2024).

Additionally, we are in an era transitioning through profound social, cultural and economic change characterised by a focus on self-interest rather than communal needs, precariousness and uncertainty. The traditional authority of the family has weakened, leaving children’s loyalties more contestable and families more vulnerable to manipulation (Bauman, 2000); OECD, 2012). The contemporary family is constantly evolving.

Discourse shapes families and the structural properties of family relationships. The alienating discourse, along with male-gendered domestic violence discourse, are two of the most significant dynamics changing the nature of society and families.

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Dr. Stan Korosi, PhD (UniSC), M.Couns. HS (Latrobe). Principal Consultant-Director Adjunct Fellow School of Law and Society, UniSC, Chairperson-Research Lead: Parents Beyond Breakup (PBB) Australia, Member Board of DirectorsParental Alienation Study Group (PASG) Views and opinions expressed in this communication reflect those of the author and may not reflect the view of UniSC. Research enquiries: E: SKorosi@USC.edu.au M: 0414 888 413 Consulting/Other enquiries E: Info@dialogueingrowth.com.au. W: www.dialogueingrowth.com.au M: 0414 888 413 28

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PACCS

BOOK CLUB

The Professional Alliance for Child Centered Safety (PACCS) is excited to announce our January PACCS Book Club selection, and this month offers something truly special for both professionals and lived-experience advocates. u January Book:

Parental Alienation Theory: Official Synopsis Download the book here for free:

https://www.pasg.info/pa-theory-official-synopsis u Meeting: Monday, January 12, 2026 u 7 PM EST on Zoom

Preregister here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JnVNsGVUTGmPush1mtsl7w

(Zoom link will be emailed after registration) E-mail - info@paccs.global with any questions.

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PERSONAL INSIGHTS:

Post-Conference Illuminating the Path: Why PASG Conferences Are Essential for Understanding Parental Alienation

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by Dr. Mark D. Roseman he recent 7th PASG Conference in Toronto was a landmark event, underscoring the critical need for continued research, collaboration, and education surrounding the complex dynamics of parental alienation. For those of us dedicated to understanding and mitigating the harm this dynamic inflicts on children and families, attending—and contributing to—a Parental Alienation Study Group (PASG) conference is an essential professional commitment.

Learning and Sharing: Advancing Evidence-Based Understanding At its core, the PASG conference is a powerful forum for learning and sharing the latest, most rigorous research. The program brings together clinicians, legal experts, researchers, and advocates, offering a 360-degree view of parental alienation.

Presenting your own work, as I was privileged to do in Toronto, allows you to contribute directly to the evidence base. It provides a unique opportunity to: u Refine your methodologies based on peer review from international experts.

u Absorb cutting-edge insights into diagnosis, intervention strategies, and judicial considerations. u Ensure that practice is informed by science, moving beyond speculation toward validated approaches.

This focus on rigorous, evidence-based knowledge is crucial for effectively addressing one of the most contentious areas in family law and mental health.

Engaging and Networking: Building a Unified Front The lasting value of a PASG conference is often found in the opportunities for deep engaging and networking. In a field frequently characterized by controversy, connecting with like-minded professionals is vital: u Multidisciplinary Collaboration: You connect directly with the leading minds in family law, psychology, and social work who are applying this knowledge in the field. This networking builds a crucial bridge between research and real-world application.

u Emotional Support and Insight: Sharing experiences and practical challenges with colleagues from around the world provides affirmation and diverse perspectives on difficult cases. u Creating a Unified Voice: We forge a collective understanding and a professional consensus that strengthens our ability to advocate for practices that truly improve outcomes for children caught in these high-conflict situations.

The Imperative: Improving Outcomes for Children The ultimate takeaway from the Toronto conference, and every PASG event, is the renewed commitment to the well-being of the child. Every paper, every discussion, and every collaboration is directed toward ensuring that legal and therapeutic systems are equipped to recognize, address, and heal the damage caused by parental alienation.

If you are a clinician, attorney, guardian ad litem, or researcher involved in family separation and high-conflict custody matters, attending the next PASG conference is not just recommended—it is an imperative. It is where we collaboratively build the knowledge, skills, and professional community necessary to protect and restore the relationships that children need to thrive.

Now completing our fifth year of publication, I have increasingly found that my role as Publisher of Contemporary Family Quarterly (CFQ) is to help you, researcher, practitioner, legislator, to use this publication as your tool in this process!

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PERSONAL INSIGHTS

Dr. Mark D. Roseman Publisher and Founder CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

The Question That Lingers: Understanding the Silence of the Alienated Child

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by Dana Laquidara

Dear Readers, wanted to write a follow up on the PASG conference I spoke at in September. Our presentation was titled BOTH SIDES NOW.

course I should feel free to reconnect with her and restore our bond.

But I wasn’t free. I wasn’t free because my nervous system, and my inner child, said Don’t You Dare.

After sharing passages from our books, YouKnow-Who: An Alienated Daughter’s Memoir and Half-the Child, my reading partner and I opened the floor to questions from the attendees. As I’ve found with the readership of this newsletter, many in our book reading audience were alienated parents.

All the critical thinking I could muster could not quite override my body’s response. Danger. Don’t go there.

There were many questions to fit into a short amount of time, and the hour flew by.

Fortunately, we were able to speak to several attendees after the session as well.

We began the session with beautiful music to match our presentation’s title, https:// youtu.be/_X5DQd8eYAw?si=dAH3beWsHRn07A4D We made sure there were Kleenex in the room, and we inserted bits of humor when appropriate. This is an audience that should be handled with care, and I think we succeeded in that.

We support each other’s work and can almost predict the questions that the other will receive, as well as how we will answer.

Answering the questions is never difficult, because I am simply drawing from my lived experience. But the depth and complexity of some questions, require more than a limited Q&A. I want to answer one such question here, a question I believe is common amongst so many alienated parents: If you did not believe the narrative that your mother was bad, dangerous, or un-

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worthy, why didn’t you reach out to her sooner or more resolutely?

My answer: Part One: In order to survive the unbearable sadness of losing a loving parent as a child, with no one to turn to process the shock and grief, the child suppresses the love for the missing parent. And in what feels like lifeor-death survival, the child aligns with the remaining parent, at least to the point of “going along”, even if not believing that parent’s narrative. Not only does the alienated child acquiesce, but the child usually witnesses the adults around them doing the same. Like in many instances of coercive control, often, no one is challenging the controller.

So why, once I reached adulthood and still had not been able to retrive my feelings of love for my mother, which were buried deep within my psyche, did I not simply make the decision to do whatever was in my power to reconnect?

Although my mother had become a stranger to me, my brain still told me that of course I had every right to know her. Of

This is what an alienated child has to overcome: Limited access to the loving feelings that were once present between them and their loving parent. Visceral fear of reaching out- even as my mind knows I am safe.

Even as I know I no longer actually need the alienating parent. Even as I know with every morsel of intellect that a child has a right to love both parents.

But I do believe that this can be overcome.

The more the (adult) child and parent can both understand this, the better chance of overcoming it.

A belief that I have held for a long time now is this: If something really bad can happen, then something really good can happen to. Challenges- even abuses- can be alchemized and eventually we emerge stronger, even more compassionate, discerning, and empowered. ~Dana *Originally published in Dana’s Substack here: https://danalaquidara.substack. com/p/the-question-that-lingers-understanding Author William J. McGee can be reached here: https://www.halfthechild.com/ *Dana and Bill are available for presentation requests. Reach out to Dana at danalaq@ gmail.com

Dana Laquidara is the author of YOU KNOW WHO: An Alienated Daughter’s Memoir. Her essays have appeared in The Huffington Post, Literary Mama, Brain, Child Magazine, Mamaload, Boston Mamas, The Grub Daily, Mothers Always Write, and elsewhere. She has participated in several Boston Moth storytelling events and took first place while performing a piece from her memoir-in-progress. Her writing has won awards in the 76th Writer’s Digest essay competition and in The Creative Well. Contact: Dana Laquidara, danalaq@gmail.com. Visit her blog, danalaquidara.com CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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The Labyrinth of Hope: A Transformative Pathway for Alienated Parents

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by Robin Bradfield, M.A. in Leadership

estled quietly in a public space among the downtown buildings of Toronto exists a labyrinth. Built in 2005, the maze has been designated a “Legacy Labyrinth” since June 2025, meaning it is part of an energetic network of labyrinths available worldwide for individual, community, and global healing and transformation.

Suppose one believes in perfect timing or the power of energy at work. In that case, the timing of this designation is perfectly in line with the annual conference of the 2025 Parental Alienation Study Group, set to take place just three months later in the adjacent building.

I stumbled upon the Toronto Public Labyrinth just before the welcome reception at the 7th PASG (Parental Alienation Study Group) Conference in Toronto, Canada this past September. It likely goes unnoticed by many and is easily bypassed by those who are walking closely. Tucked quietly among shrubs, it lies off the main walkway connecting one block to another, positioned between a hotel, a 19th-century church, and a large office building.

This space turned into my sanctuary over the two-day conference, a setting where I knew just one person (and only through email). Yet, I anticipated connecting with others and gaining insights to deepen my understanding to support my new mission: raising awareness, educating about parental alienation, and helping families

facing the challenges stemming from this form of psychological abuse. This topic remains largely unfamiliar to most of those I meet.

The Parental Alienation Study Group is a global group with a mission to support research on the causes, manifestations, identification, and interventions of parental alienation. They aim to educate mental health and legal professionals, policymakers, and alienated parents and grandparents, as well as cover widespread misinformation regarding this topic. Helping families with children impacted by the psychological abuse of parental alienation closely aligns with the labyrinth's purpose of fostering individual, community, and global healing and transformation.

Realizing that attending a conference centered on this topic could be triggering, I created a list of potential emotions and corresponding self-care strategies at the front of my notebook. Additionally, I packed tissues in my handbag, anticipating that I might need them if tears were to come. Fully prepared with my session choices made and a mindset geared towards positivity and open-mindedness, I eagerly embarked on whatever the next two days would bring.

In retrospect, I recognized three key areas where my introductions and new knowledge resided. First, there was an immense

sense of relief that everyone understood what “target parent” means, without judgment or explanation. For a brief moment, targeted parents and grandparents experienced a sense of belonging and empathy. At last, there was a community—a stark contrast to the isolation imposed by society’s failure to listen or validate their stories.

The second crucial aspect was establishing connections with dedicated professionals

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ipate discovering a miracle at the conference, I hoped to gain connections, ideas, and tangible resources that can empower those who lack education on the subject of parental alienation to help themselves and support their children in meaningful ways that can make a difference.

I took away many lessons. Each person I met and every piece of information I absorbed left a mark on me. Particular messages stood out, offering me fresh perspectives on situations and relationships. For example, when one of the speakers used the phrase, “hurt people hurt people,” I was struck by such a simple statement encapsulating the core issue of parent alienation. Furthermore, learning that an alienated child, traumatized by the absence of one parent, can suffer from impaired brain development, possibly to a significant degree, sheds light on why some individuals may seem to lack ambition as they transition into adulthood.

who genuinely care about people and are devoted to helping them. These individuals are actively researching to illustrate to skeptics the detrimental effects of this abuse on families, highlighting the urgent need for attention from all sectors, including the courts, law enforcement, counselors, and anyone involved in the lives of children. Attendees gained valuable insights from experts on the topic, information they could incorporate into their practices and share with others to expand the number of individuals committed to making a difference for families.

The third became increasingly evident as sessions began and ended, and as the first day passed and the second one drew to a close. Although many are working diligently to make a difference as quickly as possible, the answers for many targeted parents and grandparents remain elusive.

The challenges that brought these individuals to the conference, seeking answers and renewed strength to carry their battles, remained very much intact even after the CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

conference ended. In fact, these challenges weighed more heavily, as the stark truth of their reality underscored the absence of simple solutions. This reality stripped away their dreams and wishes, reducing them to the realm of mere fairy tales.

As the conference drew to a close, a mix of hopelessness and anger once again swept over some parents and grandparents. They felt angry over the ongoing dangers their children and grandchildren face. Tears were shed as they expressed frustration about lacking the necessary resources back home to implement the strategies they had just learned—strategies that depend entirely on the cooperation of therapists, attorneys, judges, and alienators working in perfect coordination. Unfortunately, that cooperation seems unlikely.

It is because the path is difficult that I feel the urge to create a program designed to support those walking it. I must look beyond the limitations. While I didn’t antic-

I left Toronto with filled pages of notes, photos of PowerPoint presentations saved on my phone, and insights deeply felt in my heart. Now, I am composing a comprehensive overview of the conference sessions I attended. This report aims to inform others about the harsh reality of this psychological abuse that countless families face. It is specifically directed toward professionals, whom I hope will back my mission. Without a knowledgeable community of professionals addressing this issue, it is nearly, if not entirely, unfeasible to obtain the proper assistance for alienated children.

I envision a support system focused on establishing a platform where alienated parents and grandparents no longer feel isolated, unheard, and lost in a battle they don’t know how to tackle. Instead, they can discover a sense of community, just as we, the attendees of the PASG conference, experienced over the course of two days. (Only time will tell if this sense of community carries forward in our lives.) They can feel connected, acknowledged, and empowered in a struggle that often seems overwhelming. This space should offer the guidance and support necessary to help them begin to envision a more optimistic future.

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 While a supportive community is crucial, it is critical to raise awareness about parental alienation. This issue should not be confined to those directly impacted by it.

Society remains largely unaware, and it’s time to bring this topic to light. Awareness campaigns must highlight behaviors associated with parental alienation, allowing outside observers of struggling families to recognize the issues instead of passing judgment. Additionally, if alienators could see their actions through the lens of abuse, they might reflect on their behavior. Increasing awareness could serve as a powerful catalyst for the change needed to prevent and address this form of abuse.

Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, prevention must also be a force in action. It is crucial to incorporate information about parental alienation into the resources for parents and families, individu-

als navigating divorce, and those attending pre-marital classes. Since parental alienation often starts during high-conflict divorces, every state should be required to include education on this topic in the parenting classes mandated upon filing for divorce.

Already on a path to raise awareness and educate others about parental alienation, I recognized the need for tools to make a difference. The sessions and discussions of the PASG conference provided valuable insights into the various directions they and others are passionate about, presenting data on the impact and treatment of parental alienation. My conversations with targeted parents and grandparents, who shared their stories of sorrow and deep desperation, reinforced my motivation for attending the conference in the first place.

As a society, we need to acknowledge, prevent, and address instances of parental alienation, ultimately promoting healthier family relationships. Alienated parents

and grandparents are caring people who have done nothing wrong. They are hurt by someone who is hurt, and they deserve support rather than facing closed doors.

Developing a program that can genuinely make an impact requires connection, compassion, and coherence within communities. Coincidentally, that aligns perfectly with the vision of the Legacy Labyrinth Project: We believe that the labyrinth experience creates connection, compassion and coherence for individuals, communities and the planet.

Although a labyrinth may not be explicitly intended to tackle family conflict, it serves as an effective tool for personal healing. Walking its winding paths can foster a sense of calm and interconnectedness, while also symbolizing healing and transformation. This is also exactly what I strive to accomplish by helping parents and grandparents navigate this challenging family dynamic.

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Robin Bradfield, M.A. in Leadership, resides in Nebraska. As a dedicated wellness coach, she focuses on understanding parental alienation, raising awareness, and providing support to parents navigating this issue. For contact information: Email address robinbradfield22@gmail.com 34

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HOW??

Insight from the Netherlands

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by Nancy Van Brahulst-Bakrie, MSc

n 11 and 12 September 2025, the annual conference of the Parental Alienation Study Group (PASG) took place in Toronto. This year, too, the programme offered a rich overview of the latest scientific insights and practical experiences.

Many themes were discussed: u The importance of careful assessments in a natural context u interventions that work, with effects measured up to 8 years later u a promising pilot in Canada in which judges, lawyers and therapists work together through an integrated protocol u new legislation in Denmark that explicitly recognizes PA and mandates fast turnaround times u the differences between loyalty issues and PA, and what this means for the effects on children u Insights into sibling dynamics and how siblings can influence each other in these processes Familiar faces from the field, such as Nicholas Bala, Jennifer Harman, Brian Ludmer, Denise McCartan, Barbara Jo Fidler, Jesper Lohse, Yvonne Parnell, William Bernet and Ben CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

Hine, shared their expertise. Our own Dutch "colleagues" Heleen Koppejan-Luitze and Eveline van Dorp were also there and brought valuable contributions (which unfortunately I was not able to follow myself because they were not streamed, but fortunately they have now shared them themselves!).

This year I followed the conference via livestream. Just like last year, I am convinced that we can only move forward in this complex field by learning together, sharing knowledge and further developing within politics, policy, the judiciary, the legal profession and social services.

That is why I have summarized the lectures I was able to follow. I am happy to share these insights so that everyone who is committed to children and families with parent-child contact problems (especially in case of suspicions of PA) can stay up-to-date.

My own research into interventions for PA in the Netherlands has also been completed.

Soon I will share the findings with interested parties. The respondents who participated in this study will of course receive the report directly by e-mail.

Coping with Parental Alienation

by Tessie Robins Based on her own experience and years of self-study, Robins presents actionable advice and emotional support aimed at helping parents prioritize their well-being while confronting the complex dynamics of parental alienation. Here, the author discusses typical characteristics of people who become victims of parental alienation, how to learn from those tendencies to avoid repeating them in the future, self-care methods for better mental and physical health, conscious awareness of triggers that lead to emotional breakdowns, and even ways to advocate for an alienated child.

Ultimately, she encourages alienated parents to reframe their identity around selfcompassion rather than loss.

More info: https://www.tessierobins.com/ PERSONAL INSIGHTS

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Book Review: Building Bridges of Hope: Overcoming Trauma in Family Law Cases Building Bridges of Hope: Overcoming Trauma in Family Law Cases (July 17, 2024), by Dawn McCarty, Danica Joan Dockery, and Robert Thompson, is a timely anthology with a central message: child well-being and healing post-separation relationships must drive family court solutions. The book is more than a resource; it is a guide and call to action for anyone committed to child-centered, collaborative change.

The strength of the book is its diverse perspectives. Survivors, advocates, mediators, therapists, and legal professionals contribute, blending lived experience with expertise. This makes the content relatable, instructive, and a roadmap for navigating the system.

From the start, the book confronts family court realities—emotional tolls, long-term effects on children, and system shortcomings that often escalate conflict. It doesn’t dwell on hardships, but instead offers strategies for resilience: psychological impacts of high-conflict divorce, mediation tools, and the need for accessible mental health support.

Key themes emerge: Children's well-being must be at the center of every decision.

Protecting their emotional security is the foundation for breaking trauma cycles and building resilience. Empathy, even during conflict, is vital so children feel safe and valued by both parents.

The contributors’ expertise adds depth.

Mental health practitioners clarify trauma and recovery. Mediators and family law specialists share de-escalation strategies. Advocates suggest reforms to protect children’s voices and rights. The insights balance research and application, making them accessible and actionable.

Notable contributors include Ginger Gentile, John Stenner Hamel Jr., Dr. Alyse Price-Tobler, Donald C. Hubin, Mark Ludwig, Dwilene Lindsey, J.K. Nation, Summer 36

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Johnson, Caroline Giroux, Remco Wijnhorst, Molly Hayes, Vicki Parker, Adina Lebowitz, Tony Bickel, and Shawn L. Pearson. Each provides a unique perspective—through survival, clinical work, or advocacy—creating a unified message of hope.

The personal stories stand out. Honest accounts of heartbreak and perseverance show what it means to endure and rebuild. Parents who fought for their children, professionals who went above and beyond, and survivors who turned pain into purpose—these stories encourage those still struggling.

The book covers systemic reform: improved judicial training, increased mediation, and better mental health resources for families. Personal testimony and practical solutions make it a healing resource and blueprint for change.

The writing is clear, compassionate, and solution-oriented. While heavy, the tone is hopeful, emphasizing empowerment and the belief that both personal and systemic change are possible.

The conversation continues. The editors plan Book 2—Building Bridges of Hope: Strengthening Co-Parenting and Family Bonds— for November 2025. While the first book focuses on overcoming family court trauma, the second will offer strategies for cooperative parenting, including guidance on communication, trust-building, and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Book 2 naturally extends the principles established here.

Ultimately, Building Bridges of Hope challenges the adversarial approach of traditional family law and powerfully advocates a central message: child-centered, collaborative, and compassionate solutions—grounded in evidence and reform—are essential to protect children and heal families.

This book offers parents validation and practical tools for navigating family court and

supporting their children. Professionals gain empathetic insights to enhance their practice, and policymakers find a clear, research-informed call for system reform.

If you or someone you know is navigating family court—or works with separated families—this book is essential reading. Don’t wait: take action today by equipping yourself and others with the tools, knowledge, and hope found here. Advocate for positive change, support healing in your community, and join the movement for urgent family law reform.

The time to make a difference is now.

The message is clear: Even though the family court journey can be painful, centering children and compassion makes healing possible.

Building Bridges of Hope powerfully illustrates that systemic transformation starts by prioritizing the needs of children and families, setting the stage for ongoing solutions in this book and its sequel. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com.

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BRIDGING THEORY

AND PRACTICE

Maximizing Your Impact: Exhibition Benefits for Authors & Publishers

When you participate in our "Bridging Theory and Practice" exhibition, you're not just displaying a book—you're securing a strategic marketing presence designed to connect your work with a highly targeted audience.

Here are the benefits of participating in our exhibitions: u Professional Catalog Presence u Exclusive Video Promotion u High-Impact On-Site Display u Dedicated Space for Your Marketing Materials Professional Catalog Presence Your work will be featured with a full catalog listing and a prominent cover image in our official exhibition catalog. This isn't just for the event; your listing will also be included in our cumulative online catalog, ensuring your book and its cover have a lasting digital presence that reaches professionals and readers long after the exhibition is over.

Exclusive Video Promotion You’ll receive a featured presence in our complimentary Author Video Series. This is a unique opportunity to directly share your insights and expertise with our audience, creating a powerful, engaging connection that a static display can't match.

High-Impact On-Site Display We know the cover sells the book. That’s why your work will receive a prominent tabletop display by cover, not spine, ensuring it’s immediately visible to every attendee. This maximizes your book’s ability to catch the eye and draw in new readers and buyers.

Dedicated Space for Your Marketing Materials We provide a dedicated space for your promotional items, including flyers, bookmarks, and handouts. This allows you to provide attendees with a tangible takeaway and a direct call to action, further extending your reach beyond the event.

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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Warning! Children Are Not Weapons

Showcasing the Aftermath: Adult Survivor Accounts of Child Weaponization in High-Conflict Divorce and Separation.

Trigger Warning- The adult survivors' voices captured in this conference and book are raw and unscripted.

TORONTO, ON, CANADA – August 18, 2025 – Warning! Children Are Not Weapons a recipient of the James Madison Literary Award (2024) from the United States Presidential Services Center under the category of ‘groundbreaking or dynamic books, including originality, literary quality, impact, relevance, engagement, technical proficiency and diversity. This book achieved the #1 international bestseller on Amazon upon release.

This compelling and urgent anthology insists that a child or children (used here to refer collectively to minors, adolescents, and adult survivors of high-conflict divorce and separation) must never be treated as collateral.

Drawing on original testimonies presented at the world’s first all-survivor international conference, the volume privileges first-person narrative over professional prescription, assembling candid memoirs, reflective essays, and personal accounts that document the emotional, relational, and practical consequences of being weaponized and enmeshed in family conflict.

alienating/allied parents (APs) manipulate, coerce, or otherwise engineer the child’s rejection of their targeted parent (TP), extended family, friends, and, in some cases, companion animals, to serve the AP’s emotional or instrumental needs. In this process the child becomes an unwitting pawn in parents’ relationship conflict, with profound and long-lasting negative consequences: including and not limited to anxiety and mood disorders, physical and psychosomatic illness, identity disruption, loss of siblings and extended family (with complex grief), increased risk of suicidal ideation or completion, and in rare but catastrophic cases familicide, all contributing to a fundamentally shattered sense of self (Price-Tobler, 2023).

Concerningly, these children may also have been weaponized by an AP to commit sibling abuse (when siblings do not align with the AP) or to perpetrate spousal abuse against a TP. Such behaviors sit on a sever-

ity continuum, from milder acts, such as refusing to speak to them, to extreme and dangerous actions, such as setting fire to the home and then physically attacking the TP or sibling when they emerge. Experts also conceptualize CPA-PA as a severe form of family and domestic violence (FDV), encompassing many sub-categories described in the FDV literature (Price-Tobler, 2023).

At a clinical level, CPA-PA involves a child getting drawn into their parents' marital conflict by forming a coalition with a narcissistic or borderline parent against the other parent, who often resorts to FDV to control the child.

This alliance leads to a breakdown in the relationship with a TP and sometimes extended family members. The narcissistic or borderline parent uses the child to manage their anxiety stemming from the separation or divorce, essentially reversing the parent/child roles to ease their distress (Childress, 2015).

Additionally, this anxiety arises from three primary sources: narcissistic anxiety, which

Together, these contributions constitute a persuasive exposé of the practice of weaponizing children, conceptualized here as child psychological abuse related to parental alienation and abduction (CPA-PA), and underscore that CPA-PA may co-occur with, or include, sexual and physical abuse. The collection demands that survivor expertise inform public understanding, clinical practice, and policy responses to this form of family and domestic violence (FDV).

Historical research reports that high-conflict divorce and separation in the United States generate an estimated $50 billion annually (MCMoewe, 2014). Consequently, it is challenging to determine the current total in 2025. In 2019, approximately 3.8 million children were suspected of suffering moderate to severe parental alienation (Harmon et al., 2019). Up-to-date figures on current child numbers have not been reported due to a dearth of research in this area.

Why Are Children Weaponized?

This powerful book also documents how 38

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PHOTO BY MICK HAUPT -UNSPLASH

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

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threatens the parent's image; borderline anxiety, rooted in fear of abandonment; and trauma anxiety, linked to unresolved childhood attachment issues driving parental alienation (Childress, 2015).

However, Warning! Children Are Not Weapons moves beyond clinical debate to provide a raw, courageous and shocking look at the aftermath of high-conflict divorce and separation for these children years later and is an indispensable guide for anyone committed to child welfare and stopping intergenerational CPA-PA and the associated sub-categories of FDV relative to the child's experience.

Who is This Book Written for?

This vital book serves as a valuable resource for: u Targeted Parents and the General Public: Adult survivors offer realistic narratives, so TPs, their families, and the general public can understand their lived experience perspectives and help them to stop CPA-PA in the community. u Mental Health Practitioners and Community Professionals: Adult survivors contribute systemic insights and first-person narratives

to help clinicians recognize, assess, and interrupt these destructive relational patterns. u Legal and Judicial professionals: Adult survivors provide concrete, practice-oriented knowledge to assist courts and lawyers in understanding their perspective and help to prioritize child safety over adversarial advantage.

How Can Legal and Judicial Professionals Help?

Call to Action Adult survivors respectfully urge legal and judicial professionals to treat persistent child fear or refusal of contact as an immediate clinical red flag that requires an assessment for child psychological, physical or sexual abuse.

Survivors describe that when a child is scared of a parent, cases should be fast-tracked out of adversarial processing and referred without delay for an urgent, multidisciplinary child-safety assessment (mental-health clinicians partnered with child-protection teams).

These assessments, conducted by appropriately qualified clinicians, must evaluate for child abuse, developmental risk, and safety needs, produce a timely report, and be made available to the court to inform custody and protection decisions. Formal referral protocols, clear lines of accountability, and shared training between the judiciary, child-protection services, and specialist clinicians are essential to ensure these urgent assessments happen consistently and rapidly.

According to Dr Alyse Price-Tobler (Twin PhD, MCAP), mental-health clinicians who conduct child-safety and child-abuse assessments should hold appropriate postgraduate qualifications (for example, an MD with psychiatry residency or a PsyD/PhD in clinical psychology), be licensed or registered in their jurisdiction, and have specialist postgraduate training and ongoing supervised clinical experience in child and adolescent mental health, and in clinical, rather than forensic assessment/diagnosis of child abuse and attachment-focused interventions.

Assessment reports should address prognosis and likely developmental sequelae (including potential impacts on later intimate and parental relationships), describe methods and supporting evidence, identify limitations, and provide concrete, actionable recommendations for child-safety planning and treatment.

“In the state of Florida, all adults have a manda-

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

tory duty to report child abuse,” says Dawn McCarty, publisher, coauthor, and survivor advocate. “My work, and the work of many survivors, is not about dwelling on victimhood. It is about leveraging lived experience to educate our communities so we can protect future generations.”

This book is a declaration that healing is possible, and that the first step is public education and a call to action! Survivors are requesting that everyone stand with children, recognize CPA-PA when it occurs, and call it out. By equipping community professionals and the general public with the knowledge to identify and interrupt this form of abuse, Warning!

Children Are Not Weapons seeks to foster resilience and secure, nurturing relationships essential for healthy child development.

Inclusion in Professional Discussions Significantly, this book also amplifies adult survivors’ voices, who frequently report a lack of survivor recognition and limited inclusion in professional discussions of alienation. To address this gap, the adult survivors estab-

q CONTINUES ON PAGE 36 BOOKS OF NOTE

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 lished the aforementioned inaugural conference and companion anthology to showcase their testimony. Guided by the maxim “Nothing About Us Without Us” (NAUWOU™), a long-standing rallying cry in disability and mental-health activism, this conference and associated book adopts a participatory advocacy stance rooted in that history of social movements (Charlton, 1998).

They advocate a contemporary, co-productive model that recognises the unique expertise adult survivors contribute to research, training, and psychoeducation. Rather than token representation, survivors should be meaningfully included as partners at conferences, in curricula, and the design and evaluation of practice guidelines.

Adult survivors also argue for the fundamental human right to equal, shared parenting and access to safe, loving, emotionally available caregivers. However, restrictions on that right should occur only when a certified mental-health clinician issues a formal diagnosis of child abuse following a rigorous, evidence-based assessment.

About the Authors The sixteen co-authors of this volume are committed advocates for children affected by high-conflict divorce and separation. Speaking as adult survivors in differing stages of recovery, they contribute chapters that translate lived experience into practical resources for families and professionals across mental health, medical, legal, educational, law enforcement, and emergency-response settings.

These survivor voices form part of a broader movement that channels personal trauma into informed advocacy, evidence-informed practice, and systemic reform.

With Gratitude, Alyse & Dawn Co-founders of the NAUWOU™ Conference.

A Thrivers Speak® Event. www.thriversspeak.com thriversspeak@gmail.com Dawn McCarty - www.sealedtomyabductor. com Dr. Alyse Price-Tobler - www.alyseprice-tobler.com 40

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PHOTO BY JOSEPH DEVANBU -UNSPLASH

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

Reflection on For the Love of Eryk

by Rod McCall I had no idea how different my life would turn out as a consequence of my divorce.

It started out like so many with an unhappy marriage. During the course of our divorce, it went off the rails. My ex-wife, a college professor, decided that I had betrayed her by not honoring her with my undying dedication and loyalty to her. As a consequence, she decided to take our son away from me at all costs. It started with false allegations of sexual abuse that led to my son being taken away from me by Child Protective Services. This false claim led to my dismissal as a school teacher and my arrest. While a grand jury saw through the false allegations and decided to not pursue charges against me, it took many months and a couple trips before the judge to get visitation restored. When that didn’t get the desired response of me in jail, she went even further by admitting our son, Eryk, to the psych ward at Childrens Hospital in Dallas on Christmas eve claiming that he was suicidal and homicidal if he had to see me or spend any time with me over the Chirstmas holidays as ordered by the court. This was the first of three admissions, each one occurring right before my scheduled visitation time.

It was a difficult time as I had missed his 7th birthday due to a no contact order by CPS and now I was not going to get to see him for Christmas either. I tried to see him at the hospital, but the ward would not allow it claiming that the mother’s court order, which was an older one than I had, was what they were going with as it cited CPS as preventing my being allowed to see Eryk. I later learned that the Christmas present I took him, Eryk gave it away to another child at his mothers encouragement, because it came from me. Visitation was eventually restored in February of 2011 thanks to a court order from the judge in our case. With intermittent visitation restored, Eryk and I were able to spend some time together. Though, two more times, his mother would admit him to the psych ward, each time during my scheduled visitation weekends. At least we got to spend quality time together which included helping my parents celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary, though that also took a CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

court order to allow him to travel out of state. During this time, we completed our court ordered psych evaluation that did not show her in a positive light.

Sadly, all of this led to a final escalation as my ex decided to engage with a nuclear option and seek to terminate my parental rights as Eryk’s father. There was to be a jury trial to decide if I was going to be allowed in my son’s life. Before and during the trial, I had expressed serious concerns about Eryk’s safety and well being if she did not come out victorious. After a weeklong trial, the jury was able to see that she, not me, was a very unfit mother and the variety of activities and stunts she pulled during the previous 18 months of our divorce was not good for the physical or mental health of our son. So, the jury ruled in my favor and stripped her of her parental rights rather than taking them from me.

I promptly left the courthouse with one

purpose in mind, to get my son. He was kept home that day from school and stayed home with her parents. With me knocking on the front door and police surrounding the house, who were there because of a welfare call by her attorney, she entered our once happy home and murdered Eryk and then killed herself. I felt like I had died on that day, Friday, October 21, 2011. He was 10 days shy of his 8th birthday.

Thinking that my life was over, I drifted. I had lost my job teaching and now I had lost my son, the two things that gave me purpose in life. I didn’t know what I was going to do next. But God had a plan for me. First, I was able to get back into teaching. Starting in the fall of 2012, I was back in the classroom doing what I love, teaching kids. At that same time, I began to research Parental Alienation.

q CONTINUES ON PAGE 42 BOOKS OF NOTE

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pCONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 It was a term I had heard a few times during the divorce, but did not really know what it was. My research took me into a wide variety of directions as well as connecting with people in my area of north Texas. Then, my journey really began to change.

The research and connections led me to write a book about my experiences in what I came to call Family Court Hell. My story included a large amount of my research at the time on what Parental Alienation was, what it looked like and how it was used by one parent involved in the divorce to keep their children away from the other parent.

I also used the stories of other people who had struggled with similar issues to give voice to their stories. 2016 saw several big changes. In late spring, I got remarried to the most wonderful person who had truly made life worth living again. That fall my book, For The Love of Eryk, was published and hit the bookshelves. This, then, led to my participation in and speaking at the first ever Parental Alienation Symposium held here in Frisco, TX in 2017. That experience springboarded my opportunity to travel to various parts of the country to speak about Parental Alienation with many more people. I appeared in various podcasts and television programs as well as joining others in multiple public rallies to draw attention to the numerous issues related to high conflict divorces. I also joined the Parental Alienation Study Group and began attending their events which led me to meet some truly inspirational individuals. All had powerful stories to share.

step up and do something more. So, two things happened that summer.

First, I teamed up with a fellow teacher and divorced father to create a podcast to help families get along better with each other.

We titled it “Home Sweet Home” and gave it the lofty goal of equipping families with the tools to make being at home with each other more enjoyable. With more than 130 episodes, we are still going strong. We have had our episodes downloaded in 6 different continents, 56 different countries and more than 200 cities. It is a true labor of love. No money is made, but we have fun.

The second was my decision to go back to school and get my Masters degree and become a Licensed Professional Counselor.

It took awhile as I took one class at a time and paid cash to avoid large student loan debts. In the fall of 2024, I graduated with my Masters Degree in Professional Counseling and passed the national exam to

become licensed to be a professional therapist. I left the classroom one last time and now I do all I can to help both parents and children who are struggling with so many emotional challenges and hardships. Like a phoenix, I have risen from the ashes of my living Hell, and with the good graces of God, I am in a much happier and healthier place with the goal of assisting families using my hard learned lessons on life.

My life is not all sunshine and rainbows, but I have tried to make sense out of my tragedy by helping others. I stated shortly after Eryk was killed that I wanted to live the rest of my life to make him proud of me and someone he could brag about while in Heaven, “Hey, That is MY DAD!” Life is still hard and has its many challenges, but it has gotten better.

With the help of too many people to list, I have come through my personal crucible of fire with a new direction and purpose. I don’t want other families to have to deal with the hardships and sacrifices that my family has.

As a teacher in the classroom, I became keenly aware of the wide variety of different issues that my students were experiencing.

As I discovered that it wasn’t just because their parents were divorced, or remarried, but also due to poor parenting at home. Too many of my students were demonstrating a variety of negative emotional responses to life at school. As I paid more attention to my students' behavior and sought to know more about their stories, I knew I had to Rod McCall is a former teacher who left the world of business to become a social studies teacher. Suffering as a targeted parent and following litigation with CPS, Rod became an author and committed himself to the field of mental health. He is now a full time LPC Associate.

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CONTEMPORARY FAMILY QUARTERLY - FALL 25

CONTEMPORARY FAMILY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Welcome to Contemporary Family Quarterly!

Our name change further represents our editorial content of original research, new protocols for practitioners, and examining opportunities for public health policy change, internationally. Importantly, too, students and faculty to now have the opportunity to publish in Contemporary Family Quarterly!

WHO WE ARE A quarterly publication for family professionals across disciplines. The Quarterly is a tool for family professionals, policymakers, child advocates and parents seeking to improve child outcomes. Editorial content provides practical thought and insight, and helpful, stimulating reviews. Research and journalism, interview and opinion are welcome.

OUR AUDIENCE Available by online subscription, Contemporary Family Quarterly reaches an international audience of several thousand readers from across professional, research, and academic disciplines. Increasingly, the magazine seeks to be a forum for those professionals working to improve child outcomes across the globe. Major editorial topics include: • Child Welfare • Child Custody • Co-Parenting • Family Science • Systems Therapy • Child Reunification • Public Policy • Education • Medicine • Child Advocacy • Family Law • Child and Family Services • Parental Alienation • Juvenile Justice WHAT WE PUBLISH Contemporary Family Quarterly editorial content can be considered in the following categories: NEWS & EVENTS: Send press releases describing news and events to keep readers informed about social science developments, conferences, policy changes, and findings. Submit your events to info@contemporaryfamily.org.

2026 ISSUE DEADLINES • Winter: January 15th Child Advocacy: Past, Present, Future • Spring: April 15th New Beginnings - Coping Through Transitions • Summer: June 15th Co-Parenting: Challenges & Successes Fall: September 15th High Conflict, In Practice, Prevention and Policy Subscription and Advertising Details: www.contemporaryfamilymagazine.com BOOK REVIEW: (500-800 WORDS) Send your book review with author photo and cover with note why this book review is important.

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RESEARCH & WHITE PAPERS: (2,500-3,500 WORDS) The Editorial Board of Contemporary Family Quarterly seeks to showcase in-depth critical thinking without the restrictions and limitations of many peer reviewed journals. Rather, our mission is to more rapidly share new ideas READERS GOALS Our readers are family professionals across disciplines and many parents, all seeking guidance to improve their co-parenting relationships, to better advocate for court reform and to intervene when parental alienation may be apparent in their child custody case.

in family science and human services, child custody and public policy with evaluations of applied research in these areas so that readers may consider how to implement findings in their own organization and community. Authors of these documents may find it easier for feedback, portfolio attributions and career growth.

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