Parental Alienating Behaviours “A Massive Public Health Issue” says the BBC
Parental alienation is a deeply troubling issue that occurs when one separated parent deliberately undermines or damages the relationship between their child and the other parent. This often includes refusing contact, moving away without agreement, or at its most extreme, turning the child entirely against the other parent. The result can be devastating, and the child may eventually lose all contact with one parent.
While this is a familiar scenario for family law professionals, issues like parental alienation have, until recently, rarely been reported in the media. This was due in large part to strict reporting restrictions designed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of families involved in Family Court proceedings.
However, new rules introduced in January 2025 have relaxed those restrictions, enabling greater transparency in the Family Court. This shift aims to improve public understanding of family law and restore some confidence in the system.
A Case That Shines a Light on the Consequences
In a powerful article recently published by the BBC, journalists were granted the rare opportunity to sit in on a long-running family case in Ipswich Family Court. The case, which had been ongoing for over a decade, involved two children and centred around severe allegations of parental alienation.
The Judge concluded that the level of hostility between the parents was “nothing short of tragic.” The children had previously been removed from their mother’s care due to serious concerns around alienation. Eventually, they became completely unwilling to see her.
This case highlights the long-term damage that can occur when separating parents become entrenched in conflict and use their children as tools in the process. The BBC report serves as a warning, parents who attempt to exclude the other from their child’s life risk not only damaging their child emotionally but also losing parenting privileges themselves.
Why This Matters Now
With greater media access to the Family Courts, it is anticipated that many more cases like this will come to public attention. This increased visibility is expected to raise awareness around the emotional and psychological impact of poorly managed family separations, especially on children.
At McAlister Family Law, our team is derived of experienced lawyers who specialise in child arrangements and separation-related issues. We understand how emotionally charged these situations can be and how vital it is to handle them with care, empathy, and a focus on the child’s best interests.
If you are going through a separation or are concerned about your child arrangements, we strongly encourage you to seek early legal advice.
For expert guidance tailored to your circumstances, please get in touch [email protected].
