24 september 2024. Några intryck och slutsatser från dialogföreläsningar, paneldebatter och temapresentationer med reservation för att många viktiga bidrag och spännande diskussioner inte kommer med.
| 6th International Conference on Parental Alienation- SOME CONCLUSIONS |
| International researchers and experts have met in Oslo, Norway to discuss new research, law reforms and best practices for prevention of parental alienation and re-connecting alienated children and good enough parents. This is today a severe challenge for society. In most countries 10%-30% of all children lose contact with a parent. Some due to the lack of responsibility and good parenting, but many due to parental alienation or as WHO states it “Parent-child relation problem”. This can be of minor, medium or serious nature. The first international conference on parental alienation was held in Washington in 2017, then in Stockholm in 2018, Philadelphia in 2019, Brussels in 2021, Fort Collins, Colorado in 2023, and now this year in Oslo with 250 participants from 20 countries. |
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| ”I experienced this very strange feeling. I sat and looked at you, and suddenly I was 12 years old. I thought: ‘This is incredible—so many adults, so many intelligent people: judges, lawyers, psychologists. They are taking this issue so seriously.’ I was filled with warmth; it felt like a healing moment. I could listen to you taking this in, taking responsibility, and I was just thinking Wow, this is amazing, and I hope that many children will see all this, and the outcome.” Conference participant Hanna, being alienated as a child |
| The 2024 conference was by the participants stated as unique, important and impressive. Here are some of the main conclusions. European Court of Human Rights The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in numerous parental alienation cases and mentions the term explicitly in its judgments. That alone says a great deal. The Court has repeatedly emphasized that member states have obligations to protect the right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Thus, the Court has concluded that states have breached their obligations by neglecting to enforce rulings aimed at restoring the relationship between parents and children. The judgments underline that states must take responsibility by implementing necessary measures to maintain family ties. Davíð Þór Björgvinsson (former judge at the Human Rights Court) discussed these matters but also the complexities of the judicial system when it comes to parental alienation cases. He noted that as time passes while cases drag through the legal system, the emotional separation between parent and child should be of major concern. It is therefore important that national governments act with prevention measures. Geir Kjell Andersland (lawyer, Norway) the chair of the recent parliament men’s committee in Norway, gave a presentation where he discussed how the European Court of Human Rights addresses parental alienation cases, especially considering Article 8 of the Convention. He emphasized that governments have a dual responsibility: to protect families against unjustified interference but also to facilitate reunions between parents and children. He specifically pointed out that although the best interests of the child is paramount, this should not infringe upon the parents’ right to maintain a relationship with their children. There is a positive responsibility to secure both the children and parents human rights to a family life. Jesper Lohse (chairman / MBA, Denmark) presented recommendations for law reforms based on a Harvard case analysis of the Danish family court system from a leadership perspective. An analysis in which there was made process analysis of 750 children cases, which has led to some of the leading law reforms worldwide and also became part of the Council of Europe resolution 2079 on gender equality. In 2024 a new parental alienation action plan for 2024-2027 has been launched by the parliament. Camilla Bernt (lawyer, Norway) discussed legal challenges in parental alienation cases and the importance of developing laws and remedies that protect children’s rights. She pointed out that the current system in Norway, like in many other places, struggles with great uncertainty and often lacks the necessary knowledge to make the right decisions that best serve the child’s interests. She urged increased education among judges and others involved in these cases. William Bernet ( child psychiatry professor emeritus, USA) discussed the political division within the field of parental alienation. He pointed out that this division between proponents and critics of parental alienation theories has hindered research, education, and intervention. Bernet emphasized the importance of cooperation with critics, noting that constructive dialogues will not only increase understanding of the phenomenon but also help professionals in law and mental health to work together better in family cases. Philip Marcus (former judge, Israel) presented clear proposals for changes in the handling of custody cases. He criticized that opposing sides in custody disputes often contribute to increased conflict and distance between the child and both parents. He called for changes in the organization of courts, where joint legal and psychical custody shall be the basic assumption, and more emphasis shall be placed on interdisciplinary teams with knowledge of child development and mental health throughout the life. Edward Kruk (professor of social work, Canada) discussed the importance of early intervention in parental alienation cases. He pointed out that intervening early in such cases is key to reducing harmful effects on children. He said, among other things: ”Parental alienation is like a wound that heals poorly if not addressed quickly and systematically. If we do not intervene early, the behavior becomes entrenched, and harm to the children increases as time passes.” Marie-France Hirigoyen (psychiatrist and famous writer, France) discussed the misconceptions related to parental alienation, where this problem is often seen as gender-specific. She pointed out that parental alienation is not bound by gender and that both men and women can be perpetrators or victims of alienation. Hirigoyen provided a clear analysis of how misleading information about this issue leads to misconceptions both in society and the legal system. Pehr Granqvist (professor of psychology, Sweden) emphasized that attachment theories are often not used correctly in custody cases. In his presentation ”Attachment Goes to Court” he discussed that attachment analyses should not be used to make final legal decisions about custody but should guide the selection of interventions that support the child and the family. Ben Hine (professor of psychology, United Kingdom) presented important findings on parental alienating behaviors, which showed that about 60% of participants had experienced such behavior, linked to severe mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He emphasized the necessity of mental health support for those who experience parental alienation and caused parental alienation as well as legislative changes to identify and address this behavior. Depending on the country 10-30 pct. Of all children do today not see one of there parents. This can be due to parenting behavior and lack of responsibility, but parental alienation is a major challenge for children, families and societies. Several important conclusions and recommendations have been identified by the World Parents Organization from the 2024 conference. There is most importantly a need by national governments and authorities in most countries to address new law reforms based on the Council of Europe resolution 2079 on Equality and shared parental responsibility. Early parental leave programs and support for both parents. Prevention of parental alienation behavior with early intervention. Consequences for parental alienation behavior and misinformation. Consideration of family social and health history incl. diagnosis. Children interviews, contact persons and support groups. Parent support groups and legal aid for both parents in parental alienation situations. Increased collaboration between professionals and authorities. Education of professionals in parental alienation and lost contact related to children. Programs for re-connecting children and good parents. Welfare benefit independence with children time at parents. The lack of law reforms, management culture not taking responsibility and lack of consequences for parental alienation and misinformation is a key challenge for society. Current family law simply does not work in today’s society for children and families, but a solution can be found. It is possible to create a success with good leadership and modern legislation for children, families and society. |
Avskilda barn - Secluded children 