Parental Alienation

CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) are currently trialling a “ground-breaking” process that will prevent parental alienation which means divorcing parents could be denied contact with their child if they attempt to turn them against their previous partner.

CAFCASS have recently realised that parental alienation occurred in a significant number of the 125,000 cases they dealt with yearly and is estimated to be present in 11% - 15% of divorces involving children. This is increasing.

As of spring 2018, caseworkers of CAFCASS will be given new procedures which will make clear exactly when children should be removed from the alienating parent and placed with the target parent. When caught alienating, the contact between the parent and child could be restricted or refused for a number of months and in most extreme cases, the parent could be permanently banned from any contact with their child.

Sarah Parsons, the Assistant Director of CAFCASS, has advised that their “priority is to preserve the relationship with both parents”.

Is your partner attempting to alienate you out of your child’s life? For help with any problems regarding your child or former partner, please call us on 01246 555610 for our friendly, helpful advice.