To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps are the Government taking to tackle parental alienation.
Answered on
4 May 2020
The Government is aware of the difficulties that parents can face in continuing a relationship with their child following parental separation or divorce, sometimes because of the obstructive behaviour of the other parent.
The Government is confident that the family justice system can robustly address such behaviour when it is alleged in child arrangements cases. The child’s welfare is the paramount consideration when considering this issue. In assessing the child’s best interests, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) reports any concerns about alienating behaviours to the court. Parents are also able to inform the court of any concerns they may have about the other parent.
Cafcass is continuing to develop its work in addressing parental alienation when it arises in child arrangements cases. Launched in October 2018, its Child Impact Assessment Framework (CIAF) includes various tools and guidance that further support social work practitioners in identifying how individual children are experiencing parental separation, including any alienating behaviour by one parent against the other. Further information about the Framework is available on the Cafcass website at www.Cafcass.gov.uk.