Innocent Bystanders Who Aid and Abet Parental Alienation Syndrome

In Parental Alienation Syndrome, courts, atto
eys, police, social workers, therapists, and friends often assume that what the presumably frightened alienating parent is saying is true. People may believe fabrications by the alienator because the kinds of abuse the alienator claims DO and are known to happen. There are, indeed, ex-spouses who are abusers and sexual molesters. The alienating parent can be very convincing with detailed, vivid stories. The clincher is that the alienated child corroborates the alienating parent’s version of how terrible the targeted parent is. Normal, decent, innocent bystanders often side with the alienating parent and want to protect a child in such a situation.
Unfortunately, many therapists don't realize the severity and depth of the problem. In fact, they may side with the alienating parent and even testify in court in favor of the alienating parent. Such surrogate alienators can do real damage.
Courts, social services and mental health workers are committed to stop child abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, in Parental Alienation Syndrome, dramatic allegations from the alienating parent are often acted upon without an investigation as to the accuracy of the complaint. Agencies may remove the targeted parent from the children and, in so doing, allow the alienating parent additional time to proceed with alienation.
By the time all of the evaluations are completed and the case is heard in court, considerable damage has been done to the child. Unfortunately, the people entrusted with protecting children may contribute to allowing the on-going abuse.
What can be done?
Courts need a sophisticated mental health professional to identify Parental Alienation Syndrome. The court needs to be convinced that the child is being alienated and that it is not in the best interest of the child to stay in such an environment.
It is rare however that judges have sophisticated mental health training. However, they could learn about Parental Alienation Syndrome from the bench and see how badly a child is being treated before they are willing to act.

How are PAS cases resolved legally?
Judges are inevitably conservative. Even when evidence is overwhelming that alienation is occurring, the court may still rule that the parents are to make joint decisions about the child's welfare even when it is impossible. These cases are frustrating for judges and among the hardest cases to decide.
Judges have also been slow to place serious sanctions on alienating parents. Without the threat of fines, jail time or granting sole custody to the targeted parent, why should the alienating parent stop?
Sometimes, alienating parents become desperate and their unstable mental health emerges. People in official positions may start to recognize what is happening and become supportive of the targeted parent.
Unfortunately, the most severe cases of abuse of a child's emotions will leave scars and lost opportunities for normal development. The child is also at risk of growing up and being an alienator, since the alienating parent has been the primary role model.

As an aid in understanding this difï¬cult to comprehend and fascinating phenomenon, you may view my YouTube videos on the topic by visiting my website at www.LesLinetMD.com