Parental Alienation in Private & Public Children Law - Tips & Tactics Explored

Introduction

The term ‘parental alienation’ continues to be a contestable concept. It is frequently an issue encountered by practitioners in both private law and public law children’s proceedings.

This virtual classroom seminar will review the extensive case law, research and the latest Family Justice Council Guidance (December 2024) to equip practitioners with the knowledge base to deal effectively with parental alienation cases.

It will also consider Cafcass’s approach to parental alienation and will consider the use of their assessment tool: ‘Assessing whether alienating behaviour is causing or contributing to child resistance or refusal’.

This live session will consider the detailed recent Family Justice Council Guidance which sets out the judicial approach to managing/deciding cases where parental alienation/allegations of parental alienation are a feature. It will also look at recent cases including Re C (use of experts) [2023]; Re K (Children: Alienating Behaviour) [2024]; and A Mother v A Father and others [2024].

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• What is ‘parental alienation’? - a refresher
• What the up-to-date social science research tells us about it as a concept
• The Family Justice Council Guidance - “Family Justice Council Guidance on responding to a child’s unexplained reluctance, resistance or refusal to spend time with a parent and allegations of alienating behaviour” December 2024 - considered in detail
• The up-to-date case law
• The use of experts - are they necessary?
• Tips and tactics for preparing the case/defending the case

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.